(Minghui.org) The Falun Dafa Association in Philadelphia received letters, citations, and proclamations from elected officials of Pennsylvania and Delaware before the coming of May 13, 2025. They commended Falun Dafa and thanked practitioners for their contributions to their communities.

Those who presented congratulatory letters, citations, and proclamations include: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware, Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes, Pennsylvania Representatives Mary Isaacson and Mandy Steele, Philadelphia City Council Speaker Kenyatta Johnson, City Councilman Mark Squilla, Allegheny County Executive Patrick J. Catena and County Councilman Bob Macey.

Top row from left: Lisa Blunt Rochester, Senator from Delaware; Vicent Hughes, Senator from Pennsylvania; Mary Isaacson and Mandy Steele, members of House of Representatives from Pennsylvania; Bottom row from left: Kenyatta Johnson, Council President of the Philadelphia City Council; Mark Squilla, a city council member; Patrick J. Catena, County Executive of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania; and Bob Macey, a county council member.

Letter from Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester

Letter from Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester

The letter reads, “It is my pleasure to join everyone at the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association in recognizing Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, today. Your dedication to this discipline has helped bring this meditation practice to Delaware and allowed the greater community the opportunity to share in experiencing its benefits.

“This year’s recognition marks the 33rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public in China. Since then, this practice has spread and brought the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance to Delaware and brought together individuals from all cultures and backgrounds. Falun Dafa practitioners have also offered workshops and information that those learning the practice have had the chance to implement in their daily lives.

“Today, we recognize these contributions as well as the history of Falun Dafa, and the persecution faced by practitioners in China. I hope that each of you are able to find strength in the stories of perseverance of these practitioners and that their current contributions to our state serve as a sign of encouragement and hope.

“I again thank you all for your work and contributions to the First State and the Greater Philadelphia region. I wish you all continued success and hope that today’s recognition is uplifting, empowering, and continues to advance the principles of Falun Dafa.”

Proclamation from Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent Hughes

The proclamation reads, “Whereas, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese spiritual discipline that combines gentle exercise and meditation with teachings rooted in the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance; and

“Whereas, since its public introduction in China in 1992, Falun Dafa has brought improved health, heightened well-being, and inner peace to tens of millions of people across more than 100 countries, including the United States and throughout the Greater Philadelphia region; and

“Whereas, this year marks the 33rd anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public, and we join millions around the world in commemorating the profound impact this practice has had on individuals and communities; and

“Whereas, many Falun Dafa practitioners in the United States arrived seeking refuge from the ongoing, systematic persecution in China, including forced labor, imprisonment, and documented cases of organ harvesting. Despite 26 years of persecution, practitioners have endured with remarkable courage, dignity, and peaceful resilience; and

“Whereas, practitioners in the Greater Philadelphia area continue to uplift our communities through free wellness workshops, outdoor group exercises, cultural events, and public education initiatives that promote the principles of peace, health, and human dignity; and

“Whereas, we honor the practitioners of Falun Dafa for their unwavering faith, their pursuit of truth, and their contributions to the cultural and spiritual diversity of our city and our nation;

“Now, Therefore, I, State Senator Vincent Hughes, do hereby proclaim Sunday, May 18, 2025, as: World Falun Dafa Day, and urge all citizens to reflect on the enduring values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance, and to recognize the importance of spiritual freedom and human rights for all.”

Citation from the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania

Citation from the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania

The citation reads, “Whereas, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the House of Representatives take great pride in celebrating the numerous cultural celebrations from around the world which raises both cultural awareness and enlightenment of traditions and ongoing events around the world; and

“Whereas, the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association celebrates the 33rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public in China through World Falun Dafa Day. The celebration and ceremony will be held Sunday, May 18 from 12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. at Independence Mall, located south of Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets in Philadelphia; and

“Whereas, Falun Dafa, also called Falun Gong, is a meditation practice centered on the tenets of truthfulness, compassion and tolerance. Falun Dafa practitioners in Greater Philadelphia offer exercise instructions and health information through free online workshops and outdoor exercise sites. Many of those learning Falun Dafa have experienced profound effects in their daily lives; and

“Whereas, during this anniversary, the Association recognizes the contributions of Falun Dafa practitioners in the United States, many of whom arrived in this country as refugees fleeing the persecution in China and to celebrate the values of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance. The support expressed has given many of these practitioners in the Greater Philadelphia region encouragement and hope as well as flourish nationwide; and

“Whereas, despite twenty-six years of unimaginable persecution by members of the Chinese Communist Party, including forced organ harvesting, which has resulted in an untold number of deaths, Falun Dafa communities have flourished throughout the country. now therefore, the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania joins in this annual celebration of hope, compassion and tolerance on the 33rd anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day;

“And directs that a copy of this citation sponsored by the Honorable MaryLouise Isaacson be transmitted to the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association with our appreciation for their efforts.”

Certificate from Member of Congress

Certificate from Member of Congress

The certificate of achievement “is presented to Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association in recognition of 33rd World Falun Dafa Day in celebration of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance.”

Citation from Philadelphia City Council

Citation from Philadelphia City Council

The citation reads, “The Council of the City of Philadelphia is pleased and proud to join the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association in celebrating World Falun Dafa Day, marking the 33rd Anniversary of the introduction of this physical and spiritual exercise.

“Whereas, Falun Dafa, also called Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese mind-body practice that consists of five easy-to-learn exercises and study to improve one’s character. The practice is guided by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance; and

“Whereas, Rooted in ancient Chinese spiritual tradition, Falun Gong was first taught publicly in China in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of the practice. It spread quickly through word-of-mouth as more than 100 million Chinese have found greater health and spiritual well-being through the practice. It is free to learn and has been embraced by people from all walks of life in over 100 countries; and

“Whereas, Since 1992, over 100 million people worldwide have become healthier, happier, and more altruistic through their practice of Falun Dafa, bringing untold benefits to societies around the globe; and

“Whereas, Falun Dafa practitioners have profoundly touched the lives of many local residents. They have offered qigong exercise instruction and mind-body wellness information through free online workshops and outdoor exercise sites. Many have found Falun Dafa to be life-enhancing and even life-saving; and

“Whereas, Falun Dafa practitioners cherish the freedom of belief in the United States. They are also actively working to bring about a peaceful resolution to the persecution of Falun Gong in China since 1999; and

“Whereas, Being honored during the 2025 World Falun Dafa Day Anniversary event is Mr. Li Hongzhi, who has been the recipient of numerous awards and proclamations for his efforts to promote the betterment of humanity. Mr. Li Hongzhi brings true ancient Chinese cultural values to the constituents of Pennsylvania, as well as to all people around the world.

“Therefore, By virtue of this Citation, the Council of the City of Philadelphia does hereby commend Mr. Li Hongzhi for introducing Falun Dafa to the world and join with the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association in observation of World Falun Dafa Day. We extend the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body and thank you for your work toward enhancing the physical and spiritual well-being of our City and region.”

Proclamation from Allegheny County Council

Proclamation from Allegheny County Council

The proclamation reads, “WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a peaceful self-improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture that centers around the universal principals of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, consisting of five gentle exercises, including meditation; and

“WHEREAS, Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, has helped millions across the world improving their health and moral standards, as well as deepen their understanding of life, humanity, and the universe, through the practice of Falun Dafa, and

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa has touched the lives of more than tens of millions around the world, including people in the Greater Pittsburgh region. ‘In more than 100 countries, men and women in the United States are learning the practice and purifying their hearts, energizing their bodies, and striving to create virtuouscommunities; and

“WHEREAS, dozens of free, introductory Falun Dafa workshops are offered as the life-enhancing practices reached more people each year. Every year, exercise instruction and mind-body wellness information have been provided through free online workshops and continues today at outdoor exercise sites and community events.

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Allegheny County Council Member Bob Macey, do hereby commend the organizers of the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association and its dedicated practitioners in the Pittsburgh region for their hard work and commitment to Falun Dafa as they celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.

“IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 13th day of May 2025.”