F.61 City of Atlanta awards Master Li "Honorary Citizen", USA (09/03/1999)
City of Atlanta
On behalf of the citizens of Atlanta, I am pleased to proclaim
Li Hongzhi
Teacher, Falun Dafa
An Honorary Citizen of Atlanta
In recognition of your teachings of Zhen (truth, truthfulness), Shan (compassion, kindness, benevolence), and Ren (tolerance, forbearance).
September 1999 signature of Mayor of Atlanta
F.62 Proclamation of "Falun Dafa Day" in Philadelphia, USA, by Mayor Edward G. Rendell (08/16/1999)
City of Philadelphia
PROCLAMATION
Falun Dafa is a system of mind and body which has ancient historical roots in oriental culture. Its teachings have helped many people improve their health, elevate their mind, uplift their spirit, and deepen their understanding of life, humanity, and the universe.
Falun Dafa practitioners practice the principle of Zhen-Shan-Ren – truthfulness, benevolence, forbearance – and incorporate it into their daily lives, striving to become better people in all environments and situations. In addition, they cultivate their bodies by practicing smooth and tranquil exercises that can improve their overall physical health.
Transcending cultural and racial boundaries, Falun Dafa has touched the lives of countless people in more than 30 countries, including many people in the U.S. of different ages, professions, and racial backgrounds. All Falun Dafa activities, including classes and practices, are offered by volunteers and are open to the public free of charge.
THEREFORE...
I, Edward G. Rendell, Mayor of the City of Philadelphia, do hereby proclaim Monday, August 16, 1999, as
FALUN DAFA DAY
In Philadelphia and commend those who take part in these activities to bring healthier physical, mental, and spiritual conditions to themselves and to others.
Signature of Mayor
Given under my hand and the Seal of the City of Philadelphia, this sixteenth day of August, one thousand, nine hundred and ninety-nine.
F.63 "Honorary Citizenship" awarded by USA Maryland State Governor Parris N. Glendening, (08/14/1999)
The State of Maryland
Governor of the State of Maryland, to LI HONG ZHI, Greeting
Be it Known: That on behalf of the citizens of this state,
in recognition of your acclaimed international reputation as the founder of Falun Dafa, an advanced system of spiritual cultivation in honor of your successful efforts to convey Falun Dafa from China to the rest of the world; and as an expression of our admiration, gratitude and sincere best wishes on the occasion of your most welcome visit to the great state of Maryland,
we are pleased to confer upon you this
Certificate of
Honorary Citizenship
Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the State of Maryland This 14th Day of August, In the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-nine.
Parris N. Glendening
Governor
John T. Willis
Secretary of State
F.64 "Li Hongzhi Day" in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, (08/13/1999)
PROCLAMATION
By
MAYOR KURT L. SCHMOKE
DESIGNATING AUGUST 13, 1999
AS
"LI HONG ZHI DAY"
IN BALTIMORE
WHEREAS, the people of Baltimore are proud to join in honoring Li Hong Zhi, founder of Falun Dafa; and
WHEREAS, Li Hong Zhi began teaching Falun Dafa to the general public in China in 1992, and since that time, he has gained the admiration and respect of people around the world; and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa is based on the principles of Zhen-Shan-Ren (truth, compassion and forbearance), the virtues of the universe; and
WHEREAS, we salute Master Li Hong Zhi for bringing Falun Dafa to the world and for his commitment the health and well being of people from all social backgrounds, races and religions.
NOW THEREFORE, I, KURT L. SCHMOKE, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF BALTIMORE,
do hereby proclaim August 13, 1999 as "LI HONG ZHI DAY" IN BALTIMORE, and do urge all citizens to join in this celebration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set the Great Seal of the City of Baltimore to be affixed this thirteenth day August of, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine.
Signature of Mayor
F.65 Washington D.C.'s Falun Dafa Week proclaimed by Mayor Anthony A. Williams, USA(08/09/1999-08/13/1999)
The mayor of the District of Columbia, Mr. Anthony Williams, has proclaimed August 9-13, 1999 as "FALUN DAFA WEEK" in Washington D.C. (U.S.A.) and call upon all the residents of this great city to join him in wishing Falun Dafa practitioners successful events.
F.66 "Li Hongzhi Day" in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA (08/08/1999)
The date August 8th, 1999 was proclaimed as "Li Hongzhi Day" in Jersey City, New Jersey by Mayor Bret Schundler. In Freedom Park, a group of Falun Gong practitioners performed group demonstration of the exercise and organized public introduction of Falun Gong. Facts about Falun Gong were also presented to the public.
F.67 Commendation letter from Governor Gray Davis of California, USA (07/23/1999)
From the Governor of State of California, U.S.A.
COMMENDATION
Mr. Li Hongzhi
July 23, 1999
It is a great pleasure to recognize you for your accomplishments with Falun Dafa.
Your spiritual leadership has been an inspiration to many Californians and to people all over the world. I commend you for your devotion to public service and your commitment to improve health in mind, body and spirit.
On be half of the people of the State of California, I extend best wishes for continued success.
Signature of Governor Gray Davis
F.68 Mayor Ron Gouzales of San Jose City, California, USA Welcomed Master Li (07/19/1999)
From the Major of San Jose, California, U.S.A.
(July 19, 1999) Dear Mr. Li Hongzhi,
Please accept my warmest welcome to you and the attendees of the Western United States Falun Dafa Experience and Sharing Conference in San Jose.
Your teachings and practices have impacted millions of people all over the world, encouraging truth, compassion and tolerance to improve individual lives and society as a whole.
I extend to you my personal wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit to San Jose.
Sincerely,
Ron Gonzales
Mayor
F.69 Illinois State of USA awarded Master Li Hongzhi (06/25/1999)
On June 25, 1999 Master Li Hongzhi made a special visit to Chicago. The purpose was to accept several awards and recognition from the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago. The next day Falun Dafa practitioners held an Experience Sharing Conference at the Chicago Downtown Marriott. Master Li also attended, and gave a profound lecture to a crowd of 1300 people.
-Appraisal letter from Illinois governor George H. Ryan
Office of the Governor
JRTC, 100 West Randolph, Suite 16
Chicago, Illinois 60601
George H. Ryan
Governor
June 5, 1999
Dear Mr. Li Hong Zhi:
As Governor of Illinois, it is my pleasure to officially commend you for the many contributions your teachings of Falun Dafa have so significantly had on our nation and the world society.
The teachings of Falun Dafa, through meditation and spiritual cultivation are perceived as an effective means of reducing stress by encouraging good health benefits to the body, mind and spirit.
Please accept my best wishes today as you are recognized for your selfless public service and the many contributions you have made as you strive to benefit mankind.
Sincerely,
George H. Ryan
Governor of Illinois
GHR/PK/tc
-Chicago Master Li Hongzhi Day
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
City of Chicago
RICHARD M. DALEY
MAYOR
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Master Li Hong Zhi is an ordinary teacher of the Falun Dafa or Falun Gong, a high-level cultivation system from China and
WHEREAS, Falun Dafa is based on the universal quality of Zhen-Shan-Ren (Truth-Compassion-Forbearance), and has ancient historical roots. Cultivation, or body-mind-spirit development, is an important aspect of Oriental culture and many different systems have existed over the centuries; and
WHEREAS, Master Li's teachings are directly working toward the improvement of our society; and
WHEREAS, Master Li has worked tirelessly to convey Falun Dafa from China to the rest of the world; and
WHEREAS, over 100 million people are using Falun Gong exercises to improve themselves both mentally and physically;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD M. DALEY, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO, do hereby proclaim June 25, 1999, to be MASTER LI HONG ZHI DAY IN CHICAGO, and urge all Chicagoans to be aware of the contributions he has made to make our world a better place to live and the countless lives he has touched here and abroad.
Dated this 25th day of June, 1999.
RICHARD M. DALEY
MAYOR
-Illinois Treasurer's Award for Outstanding Service
STATE OF ILLINOIS
JUDY BAAR TOPINKA, STATE TREASURER
Treasurer's Award for Outstanding Service
WHEREAS, Li Hongzhi is making an exceptional contribution to mankind with his Falun Dafa teachings,
WHEREAS, Li Hongzhi's teachings of Zhen Shan and Ren are directly or indirectly working toward the improvement of our whole society, and
WHEREAS, 100 million are already using Falun Gong exercises to improve themselves both mentally and physically, and
THEREFORE, I, July Baar Topinka, do hereby ofer this Award as a small token of appreciation for serving your fellow man. May you continue to be successful.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the State Treasurer to be affixed on the first (please check this, the picture is not very clear) day of June in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine.
Judy Baar Topinka
Illinois State Treasurer
F.70 Welcome letter from Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Canada and Welcome letter from Mayor Mel Lastman of Toronto, Canada(05/22/1999)
1. Welcome letter from Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Canada
The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
In the name of the Queen and on behalf of the people of Ontario, it is my great pleasure to send greetings to all those attending the seventh Anniversary celebration of the founding Falun Dafa.
Falun Dafa is a compelling discipline, and the fact that it has gained widespread popularity over such a short time is a tribute to its considerable health benefits. The presence of Falun Dafa founder Master Li Hongzhi at this important celebration will certainly make the occasion very special.
I congratulate the organizers of this event and send everyone best wishes for a wonderful day.
Hilary M. Weston
Toronto
22nd May 1999
2. Welcome letter from Mayor Mel Lastman of Toronto, Canada
A Message from Mayor Mel Lastman
I am delighted to send greetings and best wishes to everyone celebrating the 7th Anniversary of Master Li Hongzhi's first public introduction of Falun Dafa at the 1999 Falun Dafa Conference taking place in our City.
As the most culturally diverse City in the world, Toronto is home to people from 169 countries, speaking more than 100 languages. Throughout Toronto's history, the people of our City have learned from each other by celebrating and sharing their many different cultures. The special qualities people bring to our City make Toronto a lively and vibrant place to visit and a wonderful place to live.
This conference provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the ancient cultivation system of mind, body and spirit that helps people lead more peaceful, happy and healthy lives. There is much to do and see in Toronto. We have remarkable restaurants, outstanding attractions and world-class entertainment. Whether you are a frequent or first time visitor to our City, please enjoy the unique atmosphere and the many exceptional sights that Toronto has to offer.
I congratulate everyone involved with this event and offer my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable conference. Have a pleasant stay in our City. We're glad you're here!
Cordially,
Mel Lastman
Mayor
May 1999