(Minghui.org) May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day and this year is the 30^th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s introduction to the public. After 23 New Jersey cities and one county proclaimed Falun Dafa Day, nine mayors and a county executive sent letters to congratulate Falun Dafa Day. These cities and county are the City of Newark, Borough of Fair Lawn, City of Orange Township, Township of Hillside, City of Union City, Town of Secaucus, Township of Montville, Borough of Roseland, Borough of East Rutherford, and Essex County.

Letter from Mayor Ras J. Baraka of the City of Newark

Mayor Baraka stated in his letter, “Falun Dafa is an ancient and peaceful spiritual practice, rooted in Chinese culture, with 100 million adherents worldwide. It seeks to improve health, purify minds, uplift spirits, and bring understanding between peoples through exercise and meditation. In the last three decades, its teaching have been translated into 30 languages, and millions of people across the world have been transformed for the better by the physical, mental, and moral improvement the practice offers.

“Falun Dafa practitioners have brought these acts to many places across our state, including senior centers, corporate offices, health clubs, parks, libraries, and private homes. Their timeless values of a healthy and peaceful mind and body empower many people of many ages. We feel privileged to have you as members of our community.” 

Letter from Mayor Kurt Peluso of the Borough of Fair Lawn

Letter from Mayor Dwayne D. Warren. Esq. of the City of Orange Township

Letter from Mayor Dahlia O. Vertreese of the Township of Hillside

Letter from Mayor Brian P. Stack of the City of Union City

Letter from Mayor Michael J. Gonnelli of the Town of Secaucus

Letter from Mayor Frank W. Cooney of the Township of Montville

Letter from Mayor James R. Spango of the Borough of Roseland

Letter from Mayor Jeffery J. Lahullier of the Borough of East Rutherford

Letter from County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. of Essex County

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.