Ohio, USA: Mayors of Four Cities Issue Proclamations to Honor World Falun Dafa Day

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2025 is the 26^th World Falun Dafa Day and the 33^rd anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. To celebrate this special day, the mayors of four cities issued proclamations. They are Mayor Lee A. Gray of Pickerington, Mayor Kennith L. Wright of Westerville, Mayor Cathy McGrail of Englewood, and Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr. of Dayton. They declared May 13, 2025, Falun Dafa Day.

Proclamation from the City of Pickerington

Proclamation from Mayor Lee A. Gray of Pickerington

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa is a Buddhist-based spiritual practice that consists of five easy-to-learn, gentle, slow-moving exercises and meditation that is rooted in ancient Chinese culture.

“Falun Dafa was widely popular in China in the 1990s for its health benefits and spiritual teachings. Yet, because the faith became so popular, the Chinese Communist regime felt threatened and launched a nationwide campaign of suppression and violence in 1999.

“Despite brutal persecution in China, the Falun Dafa communities around the world have endured and persevered. Falun Dafa is now practiced in more than 100 countries. Falun Dafa practitioners from the Columbus region, including Pickerington, give back to their communities by offering free exercise instruction.

“On this 33rd anniversary of its founding, it is important to recognize the ongoing legacy of commitment to truth and compassion by Falun Dafa practitioners.

“Now, Therefore, I, Lee A. Gray, Mayor of the City of Pickerington, and in concurrence with City Council hereby proclaim May 13, 2025 as "Falun Dafa Day" in the City of Pickerington, Ohio, and urge all citizens to recognize this day and honor those who practice.”

Proclamation from the City of Westerville

Proclamation from Mayor Kennith L. Wright of Westerville

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa is an advanced exercise and spiritual practice for mind and body that honors the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance; and

“Falun Dafa has benefited the physical and spiritual wellbeing of tens of millions of people from diverse cultural backgrounds in more than 100 countries, including the United States, since its public introduction in China in May 1992; and

“Falun Dafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries and contributes to a more peaceful, tolerant, and compassionate society; and

“Falun Dafa practitioners worldwide and in communities across our Nation are celebrating the 26th Annual World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, coinciding with the 33^rd anniversary of the public introduction of Falun Dafa,

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kenneth L. Wright, Mayor of the City of Westerville do hereby proclaim Tuesday, May 13, 2025 as "FALUN DAFA DAY" in the City of Westerville.”

Proclamation from the City of Englewood

Proclamation from Mayor Cathy McGrail of Englewood

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of Englewood residents and the World during these difficult times. We offer exercise instruction, health information through free on-line workshops, cultural programs, outdoor exercise sites and various personal accounts. Many have found it to be life-changing for the better.

“As we seek to honor Falun Dafa on the 33rd anniversary of its founding, we in particular want to recognize the ongoing legacy of commitment to truth and compassion that has been brought into the world by those practitioners who persevered in the face of the brutal crackdown in China. We feel that those of us who live in freedom owe a debt their sacrifice, and that will be remembered by all of us who celebrate Falun Dafa Day on May 13th.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, CATHY MCGRAIL, Mayor of the City of Englewood, Ohio, do hereby proclaim May 13, 2025, on behalf of myself, and the citizens of Englewood, Ohio, as Falun Dafa Day.”

Proclamation from the City of Dayton

Proclamation from Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr. of Dayton

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa transcends cultural boundaries and contributes to a healthier, more harmonious society. It is an uplifting mind-body practice centered upon the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. It empowers individuals to embrace high virtues and improves their well-being holistically. Hundreds of millions in over 90 countries have benefited from it since its introduction in China on May 13, 1992.

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeffrey Mims, Jr., Mayor of the City of Dayton, Ohio, do hereby proclaim May 13th, 2025, as "Falun Dafa Day" In the City of Dayton.”