New York, USA: Counties and Cities Honor World Falun Dafa Day

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2025 was the 26^th World Falun Dafa Day and the 33^rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. The day is also the birthday of Master Li, the founder of Falun Dafa. Over 50 New York officials, including three congressmen, 14 state Senators, 14 members of state Assembly, and 23 local officials issued proclamations, citations, or letters to mark the day.

The chief executives of multiple counties, cities, and towns in New York State issued proclamations, citations, or letters to mark World Falun Dafa Day. Among them, Orange County, Suffolk County, Nassau County, the City of Schenectady, the City of Middletown, the Town of Babylon, and the Town of Islip in Suffolk County all issued proclamations proclaiming May 13, 2025 as the local Falun Dafa Day.

From left to right in top row: Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, and Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano in Orange CountyFrom left to right in middle row: Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey, Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy, Suffolk County Council Speaker Kevin McCaffrey, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Flotteron, Babylon Mayor Richard Schaffer, Smithtown Supervisor Ed WehrheimFrom left to right in middle row: Islip Mayor Angie Carpenter, Southampton Mayor Maria Z. Moore, Woodbury Supervisor Kathryn Luciani, Supervisor Suzanne Edzenga of Lumberland, Supervisor George Serrano of Middletown

Orange County Executive Proclaims May 13 Falun Dafa Day in the County

Proclamation from Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus

The proclamation reads, “May 13 marks the 33rd Anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction since 1992 and also is the Birthday of its Founder Mr. Li, Hongzhi. Mr. Li has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“May 13 also marks the 26th World Falun Dafa Day and was first designated on May 13, 2000 to celebrate the Falun Dafa spiritual discipline and its positive impact on the health and spirit of millions around the world. May 13 also highlights practitioners’ efforts to uphold their freedom of belief in the face of brutal persecution by the Chinese Communist Regime.

“Since 1996 Falun Dafa was introduced to New York State and had since grown to include thousands of practitioners. Falun Dafa offers both free on sites teaching and online. Falun Dafa practitioners fight for freedom and integrity against China’s Communist regime, promoting personal well- being and working toward peace and harmony in our community.

“Countless Falun Dafa practitioners have been deprived from their minimum human’s survival rights, being kidnapped, tortured, prisoned, forced labor camps even being organ harvested.

“On March 16, 2010, the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 605 urging the Chinese Communist Party to end its decade-long campaign against Falun Dafa and expressing solidarity with victims of persecution in China.”

“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Steven Neuhaus, County Executive, do hereby proclaim May 13, 2025, as FALUN DAFA DAY in Orange County, New York and encourage all residents to offer their best wishes for a joyous celebration.”

County Executive of the County of Suffolk Proclaims World Falun Dafa Day

Proclamation from County Executive Edward P. Romaine of the County of Suffolk

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa is a traditional practice of self-cultivation that includes gentle exercises and meditation, guided by the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance. These core tenets encourage individuals to lead more ethical, mindful, and harmonious lives, fostering both personal well-being and social harmony. The teachings of Falun Dafa transcend cultural and national boundaries and have positively impacted communities around the world, including right here in Suffolk County.

“In recognition of the profound contributions Falun Dafa has made toward health, peace, and moral values, I am honored to proclaim May 13, 2025, as World Falun Dafa Day in Suffolk County. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Falun Dafa practitioners for their commitment to bettering themselves and the world around them, and I encourage all residents to reflect on the universal values this practice promotes.”

County Executive of the County of Nassau Proclaims World Falun Dafa Day

Proclamation from Bruce A. Blakeman, County Executive of the County of Nassau

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa, is a Chinese spiritual practice; and the practitioners of Falun Dafa, have worked diligently and have contributed to the success and prosperity of all segments of our citizenry, and through the years, have demonstrated a selfless commitment to the community that warrants attention and gratitude.

“The County of Nassau is proud to extend this commendation to Falun Dafa as they celebrate their 26th Annual World Falun Dafa Day.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce A. Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, do hereby proclaim May 13th, 2025, as: Falun Dafa Day in Nassau County and in fitting recognition and heartfelt appreciation of the practitioners' dedicated and exemplary service to the community.”

County Executive of the Dutchess County Honors Master Li

Certification of recognition from County Executive Sue Serino of Dutchess County

The certificate reads, “Commemorating the twenty-sixth anniversary of World Falun Dafa Day, an ancient meditation practice introduced to the public thirty-three years ago. Honoring Mr. Li Hongzhi, whose teachings and guidance have inspired millions to lead more peaceful, kind, and meaningful lives.”

Letter from District Attorney

Letter from David Hoovler, District Attorney of Orange County

The letter reads, “It is with great pleasure that I join you in celebrating World Falun Dafa Day. As you are aware, I have always recognized how Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, contributes greatly to the health and harmony of Orange County.

“From the various exercise instructions and workshops, to the art exhibits and cultural programs offered by Falun Gong, Orange County is made a richer community. Falun Gong has always stressed the values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. These are among the most important values that are cherished by the people in our community.”

Mayor of Middletown Proclaims May 13 Falun Dafa Day

Proclamation from Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano of Middletown, Orange County

Proclamations or Letters from Other Cities

Certificate of recognition from Mayor Torrance R. Harvey of Newburgh

Proclamation from Mayor Gary R. McCarthy of Schenectady

Proclamation from Kevin McCaffrey, Presiding Officer of Suffolk County Legislature

Proclamation from County Legislator Steven Flotteron of Suffolk County

Proclamation from Town of Babylon

Proclamation from Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim of the Town of Smithtown

Citation from the governing body of the Town of Islip

Letter from Supervisor Maria Z. Moore of the Town of Southampton

Letter from Supervisor Kathryn Lucian of the Town of Woodbury

Letter from Supervisor Suzanne Edzenga of the Town of Lumberland

Letter from Supervisor George Serrano of the Town of Wallkill