(Minghui.org) May 13, 2026, is the 27th World Falun Dafa Day and the 34th anniversary since Falun Dafa was introduced to the public in 1992. Over 40 elected officials in New York State issued proclamations or congratulatory letters commending Falun Dafa and the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. They highlighted the physical and mental benefits of the practice and Falun Dafa’s positive impact on society.

More than 40 elected officials in New York issued proclamations or congratulatory letters on the 27th World Falun Dafa on May 13, 2026. (Compiled from pictures on official websites)

Members of the US Congress

Practitioners held a Falun Dafa Day celebration at Union Square. US Representative Grace Meng sent a congratulatory letter stating,

“I am pleased to extend my greetings to all gathered for today’s celebration.

“Thank you for hosting this event to provide the community with an opportunity to celebrate with music, dance, and song. These cultural celebrations contribute to the diversity that make up New York City.”

Congratulatory letter from U.S. Representative Grace Meng (Minghui.org)

Representative Meng is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, as well as Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism.

Proclamation from Representative Patrick Ryan (Minghui.org)

US Representative for New York’s 18th Congressional District, Patrick Ryan, issued a proclamation for the 27th annual Falun Dafa Day:

“I rise today to recognize the 27th Annual World Falun Dafa Day and to honor the practitioners across New York’s 18th Congressional District who carry its values into our community each day.

“Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public on May 13, 1992, in Changchun, China, and over the past 34 years has grown into a practice embraced by millions of people in over too countries. Rooted in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance, it offers a path toward personal well-being, spiritual grounding, and a more thoughtful way of engaging with the world. For many, it has become a foundation for how they live, how they treat others, and how they find meaning in daily life.

“In the Hudson Valley, Falun Dafa practitioners have shared that spirit generously. Through outdoor practice sites, community workshops, art exhibits, and cultural gatherings each spring, they have welcomed neighbors, offered instruction freely, and contributed to the civic and spiritual life of our region in ways both quiet and lasting. Their willingness to open their doors and share what they have found reflects the very principles they practice.

“World Falun Dafa Day is a fitting occasion to pause and recognize that contribution. Our community is stronger because of the traditions, values, and people who enrich it, and the practitioners of NY-18 are a meaningful part of that story.

“I am proud to recognize this anniversary and to commend the practitioners of our district for the care, openness, and dedication they bring to our community. May this day be one of celebration, reflection, and continued connection.”

State Senate Resolution

The New York State Senate officially passed Legislative Resolution No. 1648, celebrating May 13th as the 27th World Falun Dafa Day and recognizing Falun Dafa’s contributions to physical, mental, and social well-being across the globe.

State Senate Resolution (Minghui.org)

Introduced by New York State Senator Dean Murray, a ranking member on three State Senate committees, the resolution was officially adopted by the State Senate on March 5:

“WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 27th Annual World Falun Dafa Day Celebration, to be observed May 13, 2026: and

“WHEREAS, Many of those who participate in World Falun Dafa Day celebrate the teachings which have brought physical health, joy, and peace of mind to millions of people across the globe throughout the entire week; and

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a self-improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture based on refining the body and mind through special exercises and meditation; and

“WHEREAS, This special event observes the day Falun Dafa was first introduced to the general public in May of 1992, in Changchun, China, by Mr. Li Hongzhi, he then traveled around China lecturing to the public; and

“WHEREAS, The impact his lectures had on the society was so profound, that the practice spread very rapidly by word of mouth alone; by 1998, it was estimated that 100 million people had taken up the practice in China; and

“WHEREAS, The practice of Falun Dafa is simple; it consists primarily of two components, self-improvement through study and the practice of five gentle exercises: and

“WHEREAS, Practitioners of Falun Dafa strive to live by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance in order to improve their moral nature, and in turn, to experience remarkable health benefits: and

“WHEREAS, The practice of Falun Dafa goes beyond the pursuit of health and fitness to the goal of greater wisdom and enlightenment; and

“WHEREAS, The Falun Dafa philosophy espouses the idea that when the heart is pure, the mind balanced, and the body energized, health and happiness are a natural outcome; individuals have been empowered to leave behind addictions and bad habits; families, to live in peace together: and communities, to embrace what is virtuous and life-affirming; and

“WHEREAS, The effectiveness of Falun Dafa in improving health, as well as the principles upon which it is founded, have proven to be immensely popular throughout the world and have attracted people in more than 114 countries; and

“WHEREAS, To the people of China, Falun Dafa provides a source of strength in the face of oppression; although the practice is banned in the land of its origin, practitioners persevere in the pursuit of their spiritual beliefs, risking imprisonment or worse, and

“WHEREAS, In 1996, Falun Dafa was introduced to New York, and has since grown to include hundreds of practitioners who can be found throughout the tri-state area offering workshops in senior centers, corporate offices, health clubs, private residences and police stations at no cost to the participants; and

“WHEREAS, Today, Falun Dafa is practiced and cherished by millions of people and has received over 3,000 awards; and

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa is a practice which has brought better health and inner peace to millions around the world; now, therefore, be it

“RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commemorate the 27th Annual World Falun Dafa Day Celebration, to be observed May 13, 2026, and be it further

“RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Falun Dafa practitioners of New York State.”

Proclamations From Five State Senators

Proclamation from Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (Minghui.org)

Andrea Stewart-Cousins, President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, wrote in a proclamation:

“WHEREAS, it is the practice of the New York State Senate to publicly acknowledge organizations that serve the best interests of their community; and, thus, we recognize Falun Dafa for its positive contributions to communities throughout the world and upon the occasion of the observance of Falun Dafa Day; and

WHEREAS, attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its traditions, this Legislative office is justly proud to commend Falun Dafa practitioners upon the occasion of their continued efforts to promote wellness, mindfulness, compassion, and harmony within society; and

WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a peaceful spiritual practice rooted in meditation, gentle exercises, and the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance; and

WHEREAS, since its introduction in 1992, Falun Dafa has positively impacted the lives of millions of individuals from diverse backgrounds in more than 100 countries by encouraging self-improvement, inner peace, physical well-being, and moral integrity; and

WHEREAS, practitioners of Falun Dafa have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to peaceful outreach, cultural understanding, and community engagement, while encouraging values that strengthen families and foster respect and compassion among all people; and

WHEREAS, the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance serve as an inspiration to individuals and communities seeking to promote harmony, kindness, and mutual understanding throughout society; and

WHEREAS, the observance of Falun Dafa Day provides an opportunity to recognize the many contributions of Falun Dafa practitioners and their efforts to promote health, peace, and spiritual well-being in communities around the world; and

WHEREAS, when organizations and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, it is appropriate to publicly honor them so that others may emulate their commitment to compassion, service, and peaceful living; now, therefore. be it

PROCLAIMED, that I, New York State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, hereby recognize the observance of Falun Dafa Day and commend the practitioners of Falun Dafa for their positive contributions to communities throughout the State of New York and around the world.”

Proclamation from Senator Patrick Gallivan (Minghui.org)

Patrick Gallivan, New York State Senate Minority Whip, issued a proclamation in honor of Falun Dafa Day:

“WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 27th Annual World Flun Dafa Day Celebration, to be observed May 13, 2te6; and

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a self-improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture based on refining the body and mind through meditation and gentle exercises; and

...

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa is a practice which has brought better health and inner peace to millions around the world; and

“WHEREAS, Today, Falun Dafa is practiced and cherished by millions of people in more than 90 countries with 41 languages and has received over 4,500 awards; and

...

“RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause to its deliberations to commemorate the 27th Annual World Falun Dafa Day Celebration, to be observed May 13, 2026.”

Proclamation from Senator James Skoufis (Minghui.org)

James Skoufis, State Senator for the 42nd District, is also the Chair of the New York State Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations. “The many followers of Falun Dafa have made great contributions to New York, and the Orange County Community,” he wrote in a proclamation. “As practitioners celebrate Falun Dafa in the State of New York, and across the world, we honor their contributions to our great state and join in celebrating.”

Proclamation from Senator Jake Ashby (Minghui.org)

New York State Senator Jake Ashby, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Aging, also issued a proclamation honoring World Falun Dafa Day:

“Whereas, it is the sense of this Legislative Body to publicly recognize those extraordinary organizations within our midst that have demonstrated consistent excellence while bringing great pride and enjoyment to the citizens of our great state; and

“Whereas, attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its longstanding traditions, it is with great honor that we recognize World Falun Dafa Day; and

“Whereas, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, transcends cultural boundaries and contributes to a healthier and more harmonious society. It is an uplifting spiritual practice that improves individuals’ overall well-being and is based on the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance; and

“Whereas, since its introduction in China on May 13th, 1992, over 100 million people from all walks of life in over 100 countries have benefited from Falun Dafa. In 1999 the practice began being persecuted in China and continues to this day; and

“Whereas, during these difficult times, Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of residents in New York by offering free Falun Gong exercise instructions and workshops, cultural programs on TV cable shows, art exhibits and outdoor practice sites as well as sharing personal experiences; therefore, be it

“PROCLAIMED, that as duly-elected members of the Senate of the State of New York, I pause in my legislative deliberations to recognize World Falun Dafa Day.”

(To be continued)

Mark Walczyk, New York State Senator for the 49th District sent a certificate of recognition (Minghui.org)

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Category: Dafa Day Recognition