(Clearwisdom.net) The horrific persecution against Falun Gong practitioners by the Chinese Communist Party has lasted for 10 years. Falun Gong practitioners have been continuously, peacefully and rationally protesting the persecution for 10 years. Now, more and more people are learning the truth about the persecution, supporting Falun Gong, and condemning the atrocities of the Chinese Communist Party.

On July 6, 2009, Mayor John Nations of the City of Chesterfield, Missouri, proclaimed July 15, 2009, as Falun Dafa Day in the City of Chesterfield, Missouri. The Proclamation said: "July will mark the 10^th anniversary of the Chinese Communist regime's ongoing persecution of the popular spiritual practice of Falun Dafa, and supporters will be gathering in Washington D.C. on July 15 to commemorate those practitioners who have lost their lives in the defense of human rights and freedom of belief, calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China."

Proclamation

City of Chesterfield

Whereas, Falun Dafa (also called Falun Gong) is a self improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture and introduced to the general public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi; and,

Whereas, Falun Dafa consists of four gentle exercises and a meditation that teaches the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance (Zhen, Shan, Ren); and,

Whereas, Even though Falun Dafa's emphasis on improving one's spiritual, mental and physical health has caused it to spread rapidly across the world, it is not endorsed in China where practitioners of this regenerative faith have had their rights denied and have been tortured for studying Falun Dafa; and,

Whereas, July will mark the 10^th anniversary of the Chinese Communist regime's ongoing persecution of the popular spiritual practice of Falun Dafa, and supporters will be gathering in Washington D.C. on July 15 to commemorate those practitioners who have lost their lives in the defense of human rights and freedom of belief, calling for an end to the persecution of Falun Dafa practitioners in China; and,

Whereas, The free exercise of one's beliefs is an essential right protected by the United States Constitution and the persecution of the practitioners of Falun Dafa or any other religious or spiritual practice is an attack on basic human rights and should not be tolerated anywhere in the world.

Now, Therefore, I, John Nations, Mayor for the City of Chesterfield, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, July 15, as

Falun Dafa Day

In the City of Chesterfield.

Given under my hand and the great seal of the City of Chesterfield, this 6^th day of July 2009.

John Nations, Mayor

Attest:

Pamela Shelton, Deputy City Clerk