(Minghui.org) May 13, 2023, was the 31^st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction and the 24^th World Falun Dafa Day. Elected officials in Pennsylvania and Delaware sent letters and certificates to extend their congratulation, commending Mr. Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, for introducing the practice to the world and thanking practitioners for everything they have done to improve the physical and mental health of their communities.

Government officials in Pennsylvania and Delaware sent letters of congratulations on Falun Dafa Day.
Top row from left: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro; Congressman Mike Kelly; Pennsylvania Senators Jay Costa, Devlin Robinson, and Lindsey Williams; and Pennsylvania State Representative Mary Isaacson.
Second row from left: Pennsylvania State Representatives Regina G. Young, Robert M. Mercuri, Nickolas Pisciottano, Mandy Steele, and Ryan A. Bizzarr; Delaware House Speaker Peter C. Schwartzkopf; and Delaware State Representative Paul S. Baumbach.
Third row from left: Delaware State Representatives Debra Heffernan and Kevin S Hensley, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. Philadelphia Mayor James Kenney, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Philadelphia City Council President Darrell Clarke, and Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla.

Letter from Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania wrote “As we celebrate World Falun Dafa Day, we should reflect on the teachings of truthfulness, compassion, and peace. I commend the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association for its efforts, and I am confident that this association will continue to strengthen the Philadelphia community and contribute to the Commonwealth for many years to come.”

Mayor James F. Kenney of Philadelphia proclaims May 13, 2023, World Falun Dafa Day.

Mayor James F. Kenney of Philadelphia wrote in his proclamation, “Falun Dafa combines mediation techniques with exercises that are meant to enhance health, improve moral standards and promote general well-being. These practitioners are encouraged to emphasize truthfulness, compassion and forbearance in their lives. The practice was outlawed in China in 1999, and the day is also used to remember those in China who were not able to freely practice their beliefs. In June of 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the international community to help end discrimination against those who were being persecuted for the practice. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously passed similar resolutions in 2014 and 2017.”

Mayor Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh proclaims May 13, 2023, “World Falun Dafa Day.”

Mayor Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh wrote in his proclamation, “The belief of Falun Dafa offers the possibility of spiritual growth through disciplined practice. Its teachings encourage learners to let go of unhealthy attachments as they strive to attune their lives to the underlying qualities of the universe: Truth, Compassion, Forbearance.”

“People who practice Flaun Dafa often find it to be life-changing. Many experience drastic health benefits as well as newfound energy, mental clarity, stress relief.”

Citation from Councilmember Mark Squilla and President Darrell I. Clarke of the City Council of Philadelphia

Certificate of Special Recognition from U.S. Representative Mike Kelly

Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Devlin Robinson of Pennsylvania

Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Jay Costa of Pennsylvania

Certificate of Recognition from State Senator Lindsey M. Williams of Pennsylvania

Citation from State Representative Mary Isaacson of Pennsylvania

Citation from State Representative Mandy Steele of Pennsylvania

Certificate of Recognition from State Representative Robert M. Mercuri of Pennsylvania

Legislative acknowledgment from State Representative Nickolas Pisciottano of Pennsylvania

Certificate of Congratulations from State Representative Ryan A. Bizzarro

Tribute from the Delaware House of Representatives

Proclamation from County Executive Rich Fitzgerald of Allegheny, Pennsylvania