(Clearwisdom.net) On May 12, 2011, US Congressman Patrick Meehan wrote the following letter to the Falun Dafa Association of Greater Philadelphia in congratulations of World Falun Dafa Day. Congressman Meehan said in the letter, “It is my hope that by continuing to highlight the value of Falun Dafa as an important part of American culture, more and more people will stand up against the oppression occurring.”

Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington DC 20515-3807
May 12, 2011

Please extend my congratulations to all of the participants in the celebration of this year's World Falun Dafa Day at Independence Mall in Philadelphia. It is especially fitting that a celebration would be recognized in Philadelphia, the birthplace liberty and still a symbol toward which many nation look as they strive to encourage democratic values of freedom.

Even though its roots are in traditional Chinese concepts of meditation and exercise, Falun Dafa’s core principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance reflect the very best aspects of American culture, and as such we should be proud that it is being recognized in our local community. Many Americans are unaware of the widespread following that Falun Dafa has in China, even despite years of oppression from the Chinese government. Indeed, it is important that in recognizing this World Falun Dafa Day, we all strive to raise awareness of the pervasive violation of human rights that is being inflicted upon that community.

I commend each of the participants in this year’s celebration, and I join in expressing solidarity with those practitioners in China who are persecuted against solely because of their personal beliefs. It is my hope that by continuing to highlight the value of Falun Dafa as an important part of American culture, more and more people will stand up against the oppression occurring. It is an honor to represent the greater Philadelphia region in Congress, and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Patrick Meehan
Member of Congress