(Minghui.org) May 13, 2016 was the 17th World Falun Dafa Day and the 24th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Multiple counties, cities, and towns have issued proclamations, citations, and certificates to celebrate it, commend the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and appreciate the contributions of Falun Gong (also known as Falun Dafa) practitioners to local communities.

County executive Steven M. Neuhaus of Orange County

Declaration of Falun Dafa Day by county executive Steven M. Neuhaus of Orange County

County executive Steven M. Neuhaus stated in his declaration,

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong), is a traditional Chinese self-cultivation practice based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance; and“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa is to be commended and publicly recognized for having brought about profound physical benefits, as well as mental and spiritual well-being to more than 100 million practitioners from all walks of life in over 100 countries throughout the world; and“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners in Orange County have dedicated countless hours in producing world-class performances of classical Chinese dance and music to share a precious heritage of a 5,000-year civilization with the world; organizing free cultural events, meditation workshops and classes in local community centers, senior centers, libraries, parks, fairs and health expos, and participating in public events to benefit local communities and;“WHEREAS, Since 1999, in the face of the Chinese communist regime's 'eradication' campaign, Falun Dafa practitioners have been persevering in their believe in Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance, and responded with peaceful resistance, and in so doing have provided a source of strength to people who pursue freedom and aspire to improve the future of China and the World; and“WHEREAS, thousands of honors and awards bear witness to the remarkable accomplishments of Mr. Li Hongzhi, the esteemed founder of Falun Dafa, and attests to the high regard in which he is held by numerous United States officials and representatives of international communities; and“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Steven M. Neuhaus, Orange County Executive, do hereby extend warm greetings to Mr. Li Hongzhi, and declare May 13, 2016 as FALUN DAFA DAY in Orange County, New York.”

Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano of the city of Middletown.

Proclamation from Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano of the city of Middletown.

Mayor Joseph M. DeStefano of the city of Middletown proclaims May 13, 2016 as World Falun Dafa Day in the city.

Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan of the city of Albany.

Proclamation from Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan of the city of Albany.

Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan of the City of Albany proclaimed May 9 through May 15, 2016 as Falun Dafa Week in the city.

Nassau County executive Edward P. Mangano.

Proclamation from Nassau County executive Edward P. Mangano.

Nassau County executive Edward P. Mangano proclaimed May 13, 2016 as Falun Dafa Day in the county.

County executive Steven Bellone of Suffolk County.

Proclamation from county executive Steven Bellone of Suffolk County.

County executive Steven Bellone of Suffolk County proclaimed May 13, 2016 as World Falun Dafa Day in the county.

Mayor Reginald Spinello of Glen Cove.

Certificate from Mayor Reginald Spinello of the city of Glen Cove.

Supervisor Edward P. Romaine of the town of Brookhaven.

Proclamation from supervisor Edward P. Romaine of the town of Brookhaven.

Supervisor Angie M. Carpenter of the town of Islip.

Citation from supervisor Angie M. Carpenter of the town of Islip.

Supervisor Judi Bosworth of the town of North Hempstead.

Certificate from supervisor Judi Bosworth of the town of North Hempstead.

Supervisor Sean M. Walter of the town of Riverhead.

Proclamation from supervisor Sean M. Walter of the town of Riverhead.

Supervisor Scott A. Russell of the town of Southold.

Proclamation from supervisor Scott A. Russell of the town of Southold.