(Minghui.org) May 13, 2025, was the 26th annual World Falun Dafa Day and the 33rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. It was also the birthday of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa. In honor of this occasion, more than 50 New York officials, including three members of Congress, 14 state senators, 14 state assembly members, and 23 local officials, issued citations or letters.
The following are a selection of the many proclamations and congratulatory letters recently received.
The elected officials congratulated Master Li Hongzhi, announced the celebration of Falun Dafa Day, and commended Falun Dafa for the fundamental principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, which have guided millions of people to spiritual improvement and promoted the overall well-being and inner peace of countless individuals. They also thanked Falun Dafa practitioners for their outstanding contributions to their communities.
Four Assembly Members Issue a Joint Citation to Honor World Falun Dafa Day
The citation stated, “Falun Dafa has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since 1999, with millions of practitioners subjected to arbitrary detention and torture. Despite the persecution, Falun Dafa practitioners have raised awareness about the human rights abuses in China, and have inspired people around the world to stand up for freedom and justice.”
“May 13th of each year is designated as World Falun Dafa Day to commemorate the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public; and the New York State Assembly recognizes the contributions of Falun Dafa practitioners to our communities, and their commitment to promoting peace, health, and harmony across the world.”
“The Assembly of the Great State of New York takes pause to join in honoring and celebrating World Falun Dafa Day in the State of New York.”
“We urge all citizens to join in recognising the contributions of Falun Dafa practitioners, and to support their efforts to promote peace, health, and harmony across the world, as well as their courage and resilience in the face of persecution by the Chinese Communist Party.”
Twelve Assembly Members Commemorate World Falun Dafa Day
In addition to co-signing the joint citation, Minority Whip Karl A. Brabenec also issued a separate citation proclaiming May 13 as World Falun Dafa Day.
Assemblyman David G. McDonough, Chairman of the Minority Working Group, and the ranking member of the Transportation Committee, wrote in the citation: “Falun Dafa encourages people to be thoughtful of others at all times and to be good to people by encouraging the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. The New York State Assembly is especially proud of individuals dedicated to the improvement of mental and physical wellness.”
Assemblyman John T. McDonald III issued a citation to honor World Falun Dafa Day. The citation reads: “Falun Dafa was introduced to the public in May of 1992 in China and later introduced to New York in 1996 as an organization dedicated to the advanced practice of Buddha school self-cultivation founded by Mr. Li Hongzhi.
“Falun Dafa, is a discipline in which assimilation to the highest qualities of the universe – Zhen, Shan, Ren (Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance) – is the foundation of practice.
“Falun Dafa practitioners can be found throughout the New York Tri-State area. …as a duly elected member of the New York State Assembly, I acknowledge and pay tribute to World Falun Dafa Day as we celebrate the anniversary of a practice that continues to be a strong and viable part of the civic life of the community and the great state of New York.”
Assemblyman Edward Ra Commends Falun Dafa for Contributions to a Healthier and Harmonious society
Assemblyman Edward P. Ra stated in the citation, “The Long Island Falun Dafa practitioners have contributed to society by providing Falun Gong exercise instructions, health information workshops, cultural TV programs, art exhibits and outdoor practice exercise sites, thus promoting the values of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance to benefit the residents of Long Island.”
Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz Commends Falun Dafa Practitioners: “A Beacon of Hope”
Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz wrote in her letter, “We acknowledge the courage and perseverance of Falun Dafa practitioners who continue to uphold the universal values of human rights and freedom of belief in the face of adversity and persecution. Your unwavering commitment to peace and justice is a beacon of hope and a profound example of resilience.
“As we commemorate World Falun Dafa Day and Falun Dafa Month, we celebrate not only the health and wisdom it brings but also the spirit of compassion and conscience it fosters worldwide. May the values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance continue to inspire individuals and communities toward a brighter and more just future.”
Assemblyman Ron Kim Commends Falun Dafa Practitioners: “Have Contributed to the Richness of the Community”
Assemblyman Ron Kim is the chairman of the New York State Assembly Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development and a member of the state legislature’s African American, Puerto Rican and Asian American Legislative Caucus.
He wrote in his letter, “I am writing in acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication of the Falun Dafa practitioners of Queens. Living in one of the most diverse areas of the world, they and other New Yorkers have contributed to the richness of the community.”
In addition to co-signing the joint citation, Assemblyman John K. Mikulin also sent a special congratulatory letter to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.
Assemblyman Michael Durso stated in his letter “we join together to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day and look to embrace the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance for a better life.”
In his citation, Assemblyman Noah Burroughs of the 18th District stated, “The strength of a state lies in individuals who serve their community through volunteerism, professional excellence, or a lifetime of good citizenship. The Assembly of the State of New York, in recognition of the achievement of Falun Dafa, we have an outstanding organization, one who is worthy of the esteem of both the Community and the great State of New York.”
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