World Falun Dafa Day: A Celebration of Hope and Resilience Amid Persecution
Many officials from different parts of the world have issued proclamations in support of the spiritual practice.
In New York City, a bold statement was made when an airplane flew a banner over the Hudson River with the phrase in English and Chinese, visible to the Chinese consulate.
This phrase refers to the spiritual discipline Falun Dafa, practiced by an estimated 70 to 100 million people in China before the CCP began persecuting them in 1999.
The declaration “Falun Dafa is good” has become a symbol of defiance against persecution and hope for people in China to understand the truth about Falun Gong’s principles of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
Matthew Lee, an event organizer, emphasized the significance of these five words in representing the persecution suffered by Falun Gong practitioners.
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Mr. Lee is among millions who practiced Falun Gong in China in the 1990s, leading to his imprisonment for two years in a Beijing labor camp.
World Falun Dafa Day
The banner flying over the Hudson on May 13 commemorated World Falun Dafa Day, celebrated through parades and events in Manhattan and other locations over the past week.
Several officials in the United States and worldwide have issued proclamations and letters acknowledging this day.
Prominent individuals such as Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Reps. David Trone (D-Md.), Glenn Thompson (R-Pa.), and Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), as well as various governors, mayors, and leaders, have recognized the practice for its positive impact on communities.
Sen. Anthony Williams thanked practitioners for sharing their “inner calm and optimism” in local communities through health information, online workshops, and outdoor exercise sites, helping individuals navigate challenging times and situations.
Practiced Around the World
Although persecuted in China, Falun Gong is freely practiced in over 100 countries globally.
Riana Darrow, a 31-year-old stay-at-home mom, discovered the practice on Facebook and found it to be grounding, improving her quality of life.
Philip Pipitone, a retired NYC transit maintenance supervisor, experienced a surge of energy during a nine-day Falun Gong seminar.
Rita Calviello, a systems engineer, was intrigued by Falun Gong after learning about China’s persecution of practitioners and found answers to deep questions in the practice.
