(Minghui.org) May 13, 2018 marked the 19^th annual World Falun Dafa Day, commemorating the public introduction of Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) in China on May 13, 1992. Falun Dafa practitioners celebrate this special day across the world with group exercise practice, parades, and dance and music performances. Many mayors of cities throughout Canada have shown their support for Falun Dafa by sending letters of greeting to express their congratulations on World Dafa Day celebrations, praising Falun Dafa's principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, and expressing their appreciation for practitioners' exemplary work to peacefully bring about an end to the persecution in China.

Mayor of Peterborough: Falun Dafa Principles Can Be Beacons for All Societies

Mayor Daryl Bennett of Peterborough.

Letter from Mayor Daryl Bennett.

Mayor of Peterborough, Mr. Daryl Bennett wrote in his letter, “Falun Dafa's guiding principles of truthfulness, benevolence and forbearance can be beacons for all societies, regardless of economic, cultural or ethnic background. As our communities focus on the wellbeing of our citizens, we appreciate the contributions made by faith-based groups, community organizations and volunteers who assist with building a complete community for all our residents.

“While we enjoy freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of religion in Canada, our rights and freedoms are not something that we should ever take for granted. We need to celebrate and recognize these freedoms to continue to nurture their role in our cultural identity. Falun Dafa contributes to the diversity and wellbeing of our communities.”

Mayor of Bradford Praises Practitioners as Model for Canada and World

Mayor Chris Friel of Brantford.

Letter from Mayor Chris Friel.

Mr. Chris Friel, Mayor of Brantford, noted in his letter, “Your strong and determined commitment to the values of truthfulness, benevolence, forbearance, and the freedom of conscience and religion serve as a model for many in Canada and around the world. We commend you for your efforts to improve the mental, physical, and spiritual health of your practitioners, and I can assure you that the City of Brantford is pleased to be able to support your dedication as you endeavor to help serve the global community.”

Mayor of St. Catharines Thanks Falun Dafa Association for Their Compassion and Perseverance

Mayor Walter Sendzik of St. Catharines.

Letter from Mayor Walter Sendzik of St. Catharines.

Mr. Walter Sendzik, Mayor of St. Catharines, commended Falun Dafa. “Founded in 1992, by Mr. Li Hongzhi to promote harmony, tolerance and compassion and to encourage all members of society to be more responsible with higher moral character. Today, it is celebrated by millions of practitioners and has received many awards for its both spiritual and physical benefit to society...

“Thank you to the Falun Dafa Association for their compassion and perseverance to share the principles of Falun Dafa over the past twenty-six years.”

Mayor of Burlington Recognizes Falun Dafa Principles as Promoting Harmony and Leading to Spiritual Enlightenment

Mayor Rick Goldring of Burlington.

Letter from Mayor Rick Goldring.

Mr. Rick Goldring, Mayor of Burlington, noted, “Your pledge to the principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance that promote harmony and lead to spiritual enlightenment is an inspiration to people of all nations.”

Mayor of Vaughan Applauds Practitioners' Dedication to Fostering Spiritual and Physical Well-Being in Community

Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua P.C. Mayor of Vaughan.

Letter from Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C. Mayor of Vaughan, wrote in his letter, “Since its introduction in 1992, countries around the world have embraced this peaceful practice. Developed from ancient Chinese tradition, Falun Dafa promotes harmony, health and self-improvement through meditation and following the guiding principles of truthfulness, benevolence and forbearance. I applaud your dedication to fostering spiritual and physical well-being in our community.”

Mayor of Oshawa: Falun Dafa Promotes Harmony and Health in Society

Mayor John Henry of Oshawa.

Letter from Mayor John Henry.

Mr. John Henry, Mayor of Oshawa, recognized Falun Dafa's contributions to the community, “I am proud to live in a community that accepts and celebrates our religious and cultural diversities. Falun Dafa promotes harmony and health in society through its traditional Chinese self-improvement system. The practice helps people to improve their spiritual, mental, moral, and physical wellbeing through meditative exercises and the guiding principles of truthfulness, benevolence, and forbearance.”

Mayor of Barrie Wishes Practitioners to Flourish with a High Level of Mental, Physical and Spiritual Health

Mayor Jeff Lehman of Barrie.

Letter from Mayor Jeff Lehman.

Mr. Jeff Lehman, Mayor of Barrie, expressed his good wishes in his letter, “May your commitment and dedication to Falun Dafa allow you to flourish with a high level of mental, physical and spiritual health.

I offer my congratulations and wish you much happiness in your celebrations.”

Mayor of Belleville Congratulates Falun Dafa Association Canada on 26 Years of Success

Mayor Taso Christopher of Belleville.

Letter from Mayor Taso Christopher.

Mr. Taso Christopher, Mayor of Bellevile, called the celebration of the 26^th anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa a wonderful occasion celebrated in over 80 countries including Canada. He wrote, “The practice helps people to improve their spiritual, mental, moral, and physical wellbeing through meditative exercises and the guiding principles of Truthfulness, Benevolence, and Forbearance.

“I wish to congratulate the Falun Dafa Association Canada on 26 years of success and enjoy your celebration!”