(Minghui.org) Practitioners held an event in Zeil, Frankfurt, Germany, on May 3, 2025, to celebrate the upcoming 26th World Falun Dafa Day (May 13) which is also the birthday of Falun Dafa’s founder Master Li Hongzhi. Practitioners demonstrated the exercises, clarified the truth, distributed fliers, and performed traditional Chinese dragon dances and waist drums.

Practitioners took a group photo to wish Master Li a happy birthday.

Dragon dance and waist drum performance

Four elected officials from Hesse, Germany, sent letters to commemorate the celebration. They commended Falun Dafa (Falun Gong) and said they stood with practitioners.

Heiko Kasseckert, member of the Hesse State Parliament, and his letter

Heiko Kasseckert, member of the Hesse State Parliament, wrote, “On the 26th World Falun Dafa Day, I send you my warmest greetings and my deepest appreciation.

“Since 1999, for 26 years now, you have been offering an impressive, peaceful and persistent resistance against the brutal persecution by the Chinese Communist Party. Your path has been characterized by steadfastness, courage, and a deep faith in the power of the universal values of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

“On this special day, you may celebrate your own meaningful holiday with joy and pride—a day that highlights the beauty and profound inner value of Falun Dafa. It is a day of hope, humanity, and the reminder that even in the midst of distress and oppression, the light of truth cannot be extinguished.

“Your peaceful and tireless commitment is a shining example for the whole world. It reminds us all that compassion and truthfulness can unfold their power even in the face of the greatest challenges.

“I wish you much success in the celebrations and on your future path, inner strength, and the certainty that your efforts will have an impact far beyond today.”

Martina Feldmayer and Miriam Dahlke, members of the Hesse State Parliament

Joint letter from the two members of the Hesse State Parliament

The letter reads, “On the occasion of this year’s 26th World Falun Dafa Day, we extend our best wishes to you and everyone involved. The long-standing nonviolent commitment of Falun Dafa practitioners to fundamental rights and freedoms deserves attention and recognition.

“We welcome any commitment that peacefully draws attention to human rights violations and strengthens the protection of human dignity. We wish you a smooth and successful day at your rally on May 3 in Frankfurt.”

Oliver Stirböck, member of the Hesse State Parliament

Oliver Stirböck, member of the Hesse State Parliament and executive chairman of the Freedom Party (FDP), stated in his letter, “I would like to thank you very much for the opportunity to address you again this year and wish you much success and perseverance in your commitment to religious freedom, and I stand firmly by your side.”

In his letter, Dr. Leonard Schmidt, director of the German branch of the International Society for Human Rights (IGFM) in China, praised Falun Dafa practitioners for setting a good example for the Chinese people and people all over the world, and wished that Falun Gong practitioners could enjoy their basic human rights and freedoms in the near future.

China Expert Praises Falun Dafa

Man Yan Ng, board member of IGFM and an expert on China issues, addressed the rally.

In his speech, China expert Man Yan Ng praised Falun Dafa for showing people the profound meaning of life. He said, “Falun Dafa has helped hundreds of millions of people achieve physical health and inner peace through its gentle exercises and timeless teachings.

“Falun Dafa’s spiritual practice has helped people from different cultural backgrounds find a morally clear path. It has made them more compassionate, more upright and kind.”

Finally, he said, “Let us work together to create a future where compassion triumphs over cruelty, truth triumphs over lies, and everyone is free to live a meaningful and healthy life. May the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance inspire us all.”