(Clearwisdom.net) On the occasion of the 17th anniversary of introduction of Falun Dafa to the public, Mayor R.T. Rybak of Minneapolis proclaimed May 13, 2009 as Falun Dafa Day.
Proclamation
Whereas; Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, was introduced to the public in China by founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi, in 1992 and ins currently practiced in over 80 countries by over 100 million practitioners; and
Whereas; Falun Dafa is a traditional Chinese self-cultivation practice, based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance that attracts millions of people of all ages and backgrounds; and
Whereas; Volunteers have worked diligently throughout Minneapolis to educate the community and residents of the many benefits to be obtained through Falun Dafa, and the practice has benefited our communities and society as a whole in keeping with Minneapolis's diverse culture and optimum quality of life, and
Whereas; Since July 1999, the unelected leadership of the Chinese Communist Party implemented a brutal persecution against Falun Dafa, with more than 3,000 practitioners persecuted to death, hundreds of thousands arrested and tens of thousands forced into slave labor camps; and
Whereas; The great compassion and tolerance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners in upholding the principles of their practice under the most severe environments has touched the hearts of people throughout our city, state, nation and world, and
Now, Therefore, I, R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis do hereby proclaim May 13, 2009
Falun Dafa Day
R.T. Rybak
Mayor of Minneapolis