(Minghui.org) May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day and this year was the 30^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. Mayor Kathy Lawson of Martinsville proclaimed May 13^th Falun Dafa Day.

Falun Dafa Day proclamation from Mayor Kathy Lawson of the City of Martinsville

The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa was introduced to Virginia in 1996 and there are many volunteer-run practice sites all across Virginia, offering this easy-to-learn, enjoyable exercises free of charge. Falun Dafa brings true traditional Chinese cultural values to many Virginians, as well as to more than 100 million people in over 100 countries from all walks of life and all sorts of cultural backgrounds; and

“ever since July 1999, the great compassion and forbearance demonstrated by Falun Dafa practitioners under the Chinese communist regime’s brutal persecution, have touched every kind-hearted human being. Falun Dafa practitioners’ peaceful resistance and moral courage in face of this unprecedented persecution have changed history and inspire all of us who face this ever-aggressive communist regime today.”

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.