(Minghui.org) Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, held a flag raising ceremony at City Hall on May 12 to celebrate the 23rd World Falun Dafa Day and the 30th anniversary of the practice’s introduction to the public. Mayor Reed Gusciora issued a proclamation and gave a speech to extend his congratulations on this special occasion.
Flag raising ceremony in Trenton, New Jersey, on May 12, 2022
Welcome from the Mayor
As practitioners arrived at City Hall Square in Trenton on the morning of May 12, the mayor greeted them warmly, saying, “We welcome Falun Dafa to the Capital!”
Mayor Reed Gusciora gave a speech.
Mayor Gusciora issued a proclamation to a representative from the New Jersey Falun Dafa Association.
In his speech, Gusciora emphasized that, in the 250 years of American history, Trenton has always been supportive of religious freedom. On behalf of the people of the city, he welcomed Falun Dafa to this beautiful city and its communities. He then issued a proclamation to the New Jersey Falun Dafa Association.
Gusciora is a long-time supporter of Falun Dafa practitioners. Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) began to suppress the practice in 1999, he has been urging all levels of government in New Jersey to help end the atrocity.
Over 40 Proclamations Received
More than 40 proclamations were received from elected officials in New Jersey in honor of the 2022 World Falun Dafa Day.
Jesse Zhao, one of the Falun Dafa coordinators, said at least 235 proclamations and resolutions have been received from elected officials that supported Falun Dafa since 1999. They came from 102 cities or towns, covering 16 counties. In this year alone, over 40 proclamations and congratulatory letters were received.
In addition, the State Senate and General Assembly issued a Joint Legislative Resolution this year to honor World Falun Dafa Day. Five federal representatives also recognized the 30th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public with proclamations. Zhao thanked all the officials and New Jersey residents for their support of Falun Dafa and its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi.
Healthier and Better Life
Paul Puleo
From the central part of the state, Paul Puleo began to practice Falun Dafa in 2006. The practice helped him better understand life and cope with society’s challenges. “I am able to handle all kinds of issues better and maintain a calm mind during this process,” he explained.
“It is great pleasure to join this flag raising ceremony. We need to do better sharing the beauty of Falun Dafa with people and bringing the suppression in China to an end,” he said.
Jennie Sheeks is thankful for Falun Dafa.
“Falun Dafa has given me good health and a happy life,” said Jennie Sheeks, who started to practice in 2012. She explained that she encounters all sorts of challenges at work and in her life, but with Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, she said it is all now manageable.
“This flag raising ceremony is an exciting moment,” she said. To make it to the event, she had to leave very early in the morning from Philadelphia. “I am so happy to see the Falun Dafa Day flag fluttering in the wind on the city hall building,” she added.
Passersby: I Stand with You
Group practice in front of Trenton City Hall
After the flag raising ceremony, practitioners did the exercises in front of the city hall building. The gentle movements and soothing music attracted many passersby.
This was the first time Juanita Watts, a retired fashion designer, had ever heard about Falun Dafa. She said watching practitioners do the exercises gave her a sense of peace. She was disturbed to learn about the persecution in China. “I will look into this,” she said. “The suppression is definitely wrong and I stand with you.”
Krystal Conway said she was given information by a practitioner over 10 years ago. “It is great to see so many people doing the exercises together,” she said. “It is very peaceful and very nice.”
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