(Minghui.org) Cornwall Mayor Justin Towndale presided over a flag-raising ceremony to mark the 34th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction on May 1, 2026. The “Falun Dafa Day” flag will fly for 14 days in front of the Cornwall City Hall in Ontario, Canada.
“With a lot of tension in the world and struggles in the world today, I think practicing meditation, clearing our minds, and focusing on those three tenets [Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance] would help us center ourselves and certainly provide guidance in these trying times,” said Mr. Towndale.
This was the fourth time that Mr. Towndale has presided over the flag-raising ceremony. He said it was an honor to participate in the ceremony and welcome practitioners to the City of Cornwall. He said, “It’s an honor to proclaim Falun Dafa Day and celebrate the 34th anniversary here in our city.”
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has persecuted Falun Gong for 27 years. Countless practitioners have suffered persecution for their belief.
Mr. Towndale said, “The persecution is a serious violation of the law. And I think it’s terrible that people are being persecuted for their beliefs. And I call upon the Chinese government to cease persecuting and torturing individuals. And I know it’s just not Chinese nationals, Chinese citizens, as Canadians have been amongst those who have been imprisoned and tortured. The persecution is unacceptable. It’s a violation of international law.”
Mr. Towndale said to those being persecuted, “Stay strong and keep your faith. Please know that the rest of the world is watching. The rest of the world supports you. That’s why we’re raising the flag here to express our support to you.”
City Councilor: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Are Timely Core Values
Adrian Bugelli, North Stormont city councillor, also attended the ceremony. “It’s a pleasure to welcome you here to Cornwall today and to be joining you,” Mr. Bugelli said.
Councilor Adrian Bugelli said, “The core beliefs, Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, I think, are extremely timely in today’s world. If we look around and see the conflicts taking place in different parts of the world, it’s timely that people understand these principles and come together. And I think the beauty of Falun Dafa is the inclusivity. The values can be shared by all, no matter where you are in the world.”
Practitioner representative Hector Reyes thanked the mayor and councilor for their recognition and support. “These wide-ranging support efforts have breathed positive energy into the City of Cornwall and deepened the sense of unity within the community,” he said.
Proclamation From the City of Cornwall
It is the 13th year for the City of Cornwall to issue a proclamation for World Falun Dafa Day and the fifth year to raise the flag. Before the flag-raising ceremony, Mr. Towndale read the proclamation in both English and French.
The proclamation reads, “May 13, 2026, marks the 34th anniversary of Falun Dafa Day, commemorating the public introduction of the Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) practice and its peaceful exercises around the world.”
“Falun Dafa teachings have been translated into more than 56 languages and are made available free of charge, promoting accessibility and inclusion across cultures and communities.”
“Falun Dafa volunteers across Canada have contributed to community well-being by offering free meditation instruction, supporting mental, physical, and moral wellness, and fostering harmony within society.”
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