(Minghui.org) This May 13, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. A total of 21 cities in Canada held flag-raising or lighting-up ceremonies to celebrate it. Leonard Krog, mayor of Nanaimo, British Columbia, said at the flag-raising ceremony, “During this difficult time of pandemic, Falun Dafa has made us realize how important these values and ethics are to all of us.”

A flag-raising ceremony was held at Nanaimo City Hall on Vancouver Island on May 6, 2022 to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. This is the second consecutive year that this city has raised a flag to celebrate the occasion. “I’m delighted to announce a compliment order voted by the city council, to raise the flag of World Falun Dafa Day over the city of Nanaimo,” Mayor Krog said, “I am delighted to offer my congratulations on the 30th anniversary, May 13th, 2022, as Falun Dafa Day.”

The Falun Dafa Day flag was also raised in New Westminster, British Columbia on May 2, 2022. Mayor Jonathan Cote announced May 13, 2022 as Falun Dafa Day in New Westminster.

The Port Moody City Hall in British Columbia was lit up on May 4th to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

The Falun Dafa Day flag flew in New Westminster, British Columbia on May 13, 2022.

The Port Moody City Hall in British Columbia was lit up on May 4, 2022 for Falun Dafa.

Mayor of Nanaimo: Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is important to all

Video: Nanaimo Mayor Krog sends video congratulations

Mayor Krog of Nanaimo said at the flag-raising ceremony, “Falun Dafa is an ancient advanced cultivation practice. It is based on the universal principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. Falun Dafa practitioners follow these principles and incorporate them into their daily lives. They strive to be a better person in various circumstances. During these difficult times of pandemic, Falun Dafa has made us realize how important these values and ethics are to all of us.”

Clive Ansley, a renowned Canadian lawyer and Chinese legal expert, also came to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day. During the ceremony he said, “When we talk about the beauty of Falun Gong, we have also been very aware of this unbelievable persecution in China since July 20, 1999.”

Zhang Su, spokesperson for the Falun Dafa Association, told attendees, “Falun Dafa has brought love, peace, and enlightenment to the society over the past 30 years, but also experienced challenges which requires perseverance and courage.” “Who doesn't want to be treated with sincerity, kindness, and patience? People want to live under the guidance of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. That’s why Dafa attracts people of all ages.”

She also said, “Winston Churchill said, ‘Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak.’ The price of standing up to speak the facts in the totalitarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party is huge. However, in the face of severe persecution, Dafa practitioners still adhere to their principles and choose to speak out the facts for human rights bestowed by heaven, human dignity, and the meaning of life. Today, we celebrate the World Falun Dafa Day together. May this day be a day for brave people to find and practice courage.”

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is the hope of mankind

Zhang Yanxia, an employee of a Canadian government agency and a Falun Dafa practitioner, said, “As a Falun Dafa practitioner, I am excited to see the World Falun Dafa Day flag being raised in Nanaimo. I’m grateful for the mayor’s support, his support for human beings’ most basic concepts of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance.

“I hope that more people know the beauty of Falun Dafa. It is such a good practice. It doesn’t ask you for a penny and It teaches you to be a kind person that is beneficial to both family and society.”

Yanxia said, “I also hope that people can practice Falun Dafa openly in China too, not only on this island or in Canada. It is beneficial to society and the country. It is also the hope of the Chinese people. Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance is the most wonderful hope for human beings.”

Background: What Is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—and learned the five exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.