(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in Missouri held a celebration event at the State Capitol in Jefferson City on May 13, 2026, in honor of World Falun Dafa Day.
Prior to the event, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe sent a congratulatory letter for the occasion. The practitioners also received courtesy resolutions from State Senator Stephen Webber, and State Representatives George Hruza, Ben Keathley, Jim Kalberloh, Holly Jones, Tara Peters, Bennie Cook, Willard Haley, Yolonda Fountain-Henderson, Becky Laubinger, and Marlon Anderson. Five of the representatives attended the reception and presented the resolution to the practitioners.
Five State Representatives joined the reception on World Falun Dafa Day: Bennie Cook (1st on the left), Tara Peters (4th from left), Yolonda Fountain-Henderson (7th from left), George Hruza (8th from left), and Willard Haley (10th from left).
State Representative George Hruza came from a communist country himself, and has witnessed how atheism and communist ideology has negatively influenced people. He said that the persecution of Falun Dafa in China is a story that needs to get out. He condemned the Chinese communist regime for persecuting such an uplifting and peaceful faith group. Rep. Hruza supports Dafa practitioners in their efforts to enjoy religious freedom, raise awareness about the persecution, and share the beauty of the practice to the world.
In addition to the resolutions, the practitioners also received a proclamation from the City of O’Fallon and another congratulatory letter from the City of Clinton. Since 2003, the mayors of O’Fallon have issued proclamations for World Falun Dafa Day almost every year, to recognize the contributions practitioners have made to the community.
Resolutions and congratulatory letters received for the 2026 World Falun Dafa Day in Missouri
This year, 2026, marks the 34th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction. While Falun Dafa is still being persecuted in China by the Chinese Communist Party, the practice has spread to over 100 countries and regions in the world, bringing inner peace and health to millions of practitioners.
Missouri Falun Dafa practitioners do the exercises together at the State Capitol in Jefferson City, to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day.
Besides doing the exercises on the Capitol grounds, the practitioners had a table inside the Capitol building where the resolutions, proclamation, and letters were displayed, and refreshments were offered. Legislators, lobbyists, and visitors to the Capitol stopped by to learn more about Falun Dafa and the persecution, and many, especially children, were delighted to receive small lotus flower keepsakes. Many staffers were already familiar with and supportive of Falun Dafa, due to activities held every year at the Capitol. A common comment heard throughout the day was that Dafa’s principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance are exactly what is needed right now.
Marti, a practitioner who took part in the day’s activities, said, “World Falun Dafa Day is a wonderful time to gather with fellow practitioners from around the state to celebrate and share Dafa with our fellow citizens. As we were outside doing the exercises together on the Capitol grounds, it struck me as to how fortunate we are to be able to freely practice and celebrate Falun Dafa right here in the hub of our state.
“We also use this opportunity to tell people about the persecution in China, and how events like this let the Chinese regime know that Falun Dafa is supported across the globe. We also hope that by gathering and raising awareness of the persecution and sharing the principles of Dafa with the public, practitioners in China will know that people around the world support Falun Dafa and want to see the persecution come to an end.
“We deeply appreciate the ongoing support of our state and federal legislators. And we are forever grateful to Master Li for bringing Falun Dafa to the world.”
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