New York, USA: State Senators Honor Falun Dafa Day

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2025 is the 26th World Falun Dafa Day and the 33rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. It is also the birthday of the founder of Falun Dafa, Master Li Hongzhi. More than 50 New York officials, including three federal Congressmen, 14 State Senators, 14 members of New York Assembly, and 23 local officials issued citations, proclamations, or letters honoring World Falun Dafa Day.

The New York State Senate officially passed Resolution No. 243, which was formally proposed on January 22, 2025, recognizing May 13, 2025, as the 26th World Falun Dafa Day. This resolution was proposed by State Senator Dean Murray and co-sponsored by Senators Jacob Ashby, George M. Borrello, Joseph A. Griffo, Andrew J. Lanza, Jack M. Martins, Peter Oberacker, Thomas F. O’Mara, Steven D. Rhoads, and James Tedisco. Click here for more details.

State Senate Majority Leader Issues a Proclamation to Mark World Falun Dafa Day

Andrea Stewart-Cousins, State Senate President Pro Tempore, Majority Leader, and Senator of District 35, issued the proclamation.

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa, or Falun Gong, is an ancient spiritual practice that was introduced to the public thirty-three years ago on May 13, 1992; it has since transcended cultural boundaries and contributed to a healthier, more harmonious society, now reaching over one hundred million people in over one hundred countries.

“Falun Dafa was built on the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance to improve practitioners’ overall well-being and fortitude; despite these meaningful ideals, the practice has been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party since June 20, 1999, when it was deemed a threat to the regime’s doctrine of atheism.

“Persecution of Falun Dafa by the Chinese Communist Party continues to this day; for the last twenty-six years, practitioners have been raising awareness of the Chinese Communist Party’s destructive nature, including not only its treatment of Falun Dafa, but also its countless human rights violations.

“In New York, Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of residents by offering free Falun Gong exercise instructions and workshops, art exhibits, cultural programs, and outdoor practice sites, as well as sharing valuable firsthand experiences.

“Throughout its history and despite relentless repression, Falun Dafa continues to provide continuous service to the communities which it serves.

“It is an honor and privilege of this Legislative body to recognize those who celebrate their spirituality and who strive to preserve their religious and cultural heritage; now, therefore, be it

“PROCLAIMED. That I, New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, join in celebrating twenty-six years of World Falun Dafa Day.”

Honoring the Peaceful Teachings of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance

Senator James Sanders Jr. of 10th Senate District, Chairman of Senate’s Committee on Banks

Senator James Sanders Jr. wrote in his letter, “As we recognize World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, I join in honoring the peaceful teachings of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. Falun Dafa practitioners have demonstrated incredible courage and perseverance in their spiritual journey. Their commitment to nonviolence and inner cultivation continues to inspire communities across the globe. In a world that often feels divided, their example is a powerful reminder of the strength found in peace and principle.”

Falun Dafa Practitioners Have Made Outstanding Contributions to New York State and the Orange County Community

New York State Senator James Skoufis of the 42nd Senate District, Chairman of the Investigations and Government Operations Committee

State Senator James Skoufis issued a citation to mark World Falun Dafa Day. The citation reads, “Since 1999, Falun Dafa practitioners, of whom there are over one hundred million, have spread their practice across the world as they must endure vicious persecution by the Chinese government.

“Since then, practitioners across the globe have celebrated May 13th as World Falun Dafa Day, in honor of their establishment. This year, Falun Dafa practitioners across the State of New York join together in Manhattan on May 13th to celebrate this day together.

“The many followers of Falun Dafa have made great contributions to New York, and the Orange County Community. As practitioners celebrate Falun Dafa in the State of New York, and across the world, we honor their contributions to our great state and join in celebrating.”

Falun Dafa Practitioners Have Long Served as Beacons of Moral Clarity and Peaceful Resistance

State Senator April N.M. Baskin of the 63rd Senate District, Chair of the Procurement and Contracts Committee

Senator April N.M. Baskin issued a greeting letter to mark World Falun Dafa Day. She stated in the letter, “It is my distinct honor to extend heartfelt greetings on the 26th anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day. This milestone celebrates not only the founding of Falun Dafa by Mr. Li Hongzhi in 1992, but also the continued commitment of practitioners to its guiding principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, values that uplift individuals and inspire a more peaceful, tolerant world.

“Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, practitioners have long served as beacons of moral clarity and peaceful resistance. For 26 years, they have courageously raised awareness of the ongoing persecution of Falun Gong in China at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Their efforts have brought critical attention to egregious human rights violations, including the systematic suppression of belief, arbitrary imprisonment, and the appalling crime of forced, state-sanctioned live organ harvesting.

“Despite facing severe repression, Falun Dafa practitioners have stood firm in peacefully exposing the truth and warning the world about the destructive nature of the CCP’s authoritarian ideology. Their dedication to freedom of belief, human dignity, and justice has had a profound impact, not only in advocating for the victims of persecution but in reminding all of us of the importance of safeguarding democratic values.

“Here in New York, and across the globe, Falun Dafa practitioners have contributed immensely to cultural enrichment, community engagement, and the ongoing global conversation on human rights and spiritual freedom. Their steadfastness, even in the face of adversity, is a powerful reminder of the strength found in nonviolence, truth, and compassion.

“On behalf of the New York State Senate, I salute your commitment, resilience, and advocacy. May this special day serve as a time of reflection, unity, and renewed hope for a future free from oppression.”