(Minghui.org) In recognition of the 21st anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa this May, many politicians in the U.S. and Canada issued proclamations for “Master Li Hongzhi Day,” “Falun Dafa Day,” “Falun Dafa Week,” or “Falun Dafa Month” to commend Mr. Li Hongzhi and Falun Dafa, expressing their deep esteem for what the practice has meant to society.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in his letter, “Over the past two decades, millions of people around the world have benefited from the teachings of Falun Dafa. I commend the Falun Dafa Association of Canada for sharing this discipline with fellow Canadians. The principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance that are central to the practice resonate strongly in our pluralistic society.” A number of federal ministers and MPs also sent letters of greeting. On May 7, nine Members of Parliament went to the celebration on Capitol Hill in person to extend their congratulations and offer sincere praise.
Falun Dafa and Master Li have been recognized with over 2,000 proclamations, certificates of merit, prizes, medals, and honorary citations by the international community over the past 13 years. These proclamations reflect the universality of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and the fact that the international community is taking action to expose the blatant lies spread by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to discredit Falun Dafa.
Mayor Michael A. Nutter of the City of Philadelphia issued a proclamation declaring May 13, 2013, “Philadelphia Falun Dafa Day,” commending the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association for organizing the event to support those who fight for the right to practice Falun Dafa. He recalled, “In March of 2010, the U. S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 605 to urge the Chinese Government to end its decade-long campaign against Falun Dafa, expressing solidarity with those who were being persecuted for the practice.”
Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public in May 1992 and has since been embraced around the world. Falun Dafa emphasizes the cultivation of morality and kindness, and has demonstrated miraculous healing powers. Falun Dafa exercise instruction is offered free of charge, and the practice is totally voluntary. Without advertising, it has spread rapidly by word of mouth, and countless people have benefited.
May 13, 2013 was the 14th anniversary of “World Falun Dafa Day” and Master Li Hongzhi's 62nd birthday. Every year on this special day, Falun Gong practitioners and friends of Falun Gong around the world hold celebration activities. Practitioners in China send their greetings and letters to the Minghui website to express their deep respect for Master Li and their gratitude for His painstaking salvation. They also wish Him a happy birthday.
On July 20, 1999, the CCP under Jiang Zemin, jealous over the popularity of Falun Gong, enlisted the entire state media to slander Falun Gong, launching a brutal persecution. During the last 14 years, practitioners have continued to clarify the facts, and a great number of people have now awakened to the fact that they were lied to by the CCP. Instead of being crushed by the lies and torture imposed upon them, Falun Dafa has spread worldwide thanks to the unyielding efforts of practitioners peaceful resisting the persecution. Falun Dafa is being passed on rapidly by word of mouth, and many people have also started to practice.
In contrast to the brutal persecution in China, Falun Dafa has now spread to over 100 countries, benefiting more than one hundred million people around the world. Falun Dafa has won recognition and appreciation from people from all walks of life. In North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia in particular, all levels of governments, parliaments, non-governmental organizations, and social groups hold Falun Dafa in high esteem, for the outstanding contribution it has made in elevating moral standards, purifying people's hearts, and improving people's health, in addition to all the benefits Falun Dafa has brought to their country as a whole.
Even more heartening is that governing bodies in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Taiwan have passed dozens of resolutions to voice their support for justice regarding the persecution of Falun Gong. The efforts to “stop the CCP persecution of Falun Gong,” symbolize that the persecution is coming to an end.
As World Falun Dafa Day approaches each year, proclamations and letters of support come from around the world to commend Falun Dafa. The universal celebration of Falun Dafa indicates that people are awakening after they learn the truth. In the face of the brutal persecution, practitioners have persevered in Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and countless people have had their consciences awakened and joined in the call for justice. Together they provide eternal witness to history in resisting the persecution.
