(Minghui.org) May 13, 2022, is World Falun Dafa Day and the 30^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the world. The mayors of four cities in North Carolina— Charlotte, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill— issued proclamations or letters to celebrate Falun Dafa Day.

Proclamation from Mayor Vi Alexander Lyles of the City of Charlotte

The proclamation from Charlotte says: “Falun Dafa is a peaceful self-improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture that centers around the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance and it consists of five gentle exercises, including meditation.

“Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, has helped millions across the world improve their health and moral standards, as well as deepen their understanding of life, humanity and the universe, through the practice of Falun Dafa.

“Transcending culture and racial boundaries, Falun Dafa has touched the lives of more than 100 million people in over 100 countries and more people in the United States are learning the practice and purifying their hearts, energizing their bodies, and striving to create virtuous communities.

“Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public in 1992 in China and was introduced to Charlotte in 1996, since then, many free introductory workshops have been held in public places such as city libraries and public parks and practitioners have participated in many community events.”

Proclamation from Mayor Elaine M. O’Neal of the City of Durham

Proclamation from Mayor Harold Weinbrecht of the Town of Cary

Letter from Mayor Pam Hemminger of the Town of Chapel Hill

Mayor Pam Hemminger wrote in her letter: “On behalf of the Chapel Hill Town Council and our entire community, I am writing to salute and thank you for your many efforts to help build a better society by helping people honor the universal principles of Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance.

“In our day-to-day lives it is so important for each of us to focus on our physical and mental health. To that end, we are grateful to you for providing many opportunities for people to learn ways to reduce and relieve stress – including free classes at the Seymour Senior Center and Community Center Park.”

Background: What Is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—and learned the five exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.