(Minghui.org) “It’s a great privilege for me to be here today, recognizing and celebrating World Falun Dafa Day,” said Mark Squilla, Philadelphia City Council Member, while attending activities held by Falun Gong practitioners at Independence National Historical Park on May 9, 2026. The park is home to important landmarks related to the founding history of the United States, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, and is also called “America’s most historic square mile.”

Amidst the bustle of tourists, joggers, and commuters, dozens of Falun Dafa practitioners from the Greater Philadelphia area sat and listened intently to Councilor Squilla’s speech as he presented a formal citation awarded by the Philadelphia City Council. The group’s peaceful atmosphere overpowered their noisy surroundings.

Councilor Squilla continued, “We’ve been here several times the past several years to celebrate peacefulness, and how it helps people deal with the challenges of everyday living here in the city of Philadelphia.” He then went on to read the citation for Falun Dafa, and commended practitioners for their contributions toward improving the community.

Philadelphia City Council Member Mark Squilla (left) presented a citation to practitioners on May 9, 2026. (The Epoch Times)

World Falun Dafa Day commemorates the day Falun Dafa was originally introduced to the public in China on May 13, 1992, when the practice’s founder Master Li Hongzhi held the first introductory class in Changchun, his hometown.

Since 2000, practitioners all over the world have been celebrating World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, and sharing the core principles of the practice, Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, with the local community.

Practitioners demonstrate the exercises at Independence National Historical Park. (The Epoch Times)

City Council Member Learns the Exercises

Reading the citation, Councilor Squilla said, “Since 1992, over 100 million people worldwide have become healthier, happier, and more altruistic through their practice of Falun Dafa, bringing benefits to societies around the globe. Falun Dafa has profoundly touched the lives of many local residents.”

He then commended Mr. Li Hongzhi for “bringing truly ancient traditional Chinese cultural values to the people of Pennsylvania and across the world.”

Council Member Squilla learns the exercises of Falun Dafa. (The Epoch Times)

Councilor Squilla also tried out the exercises of Falun Dafa at the event. He said he would introduce the spiritual practice to more people so that they can also benefit.

Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance Is the Key to Resolving All Problems

Several practitioners shared how they have benefited from the practice at the event.

Marina Vassong, 71, has been practicing Dafa for 27 years. She said when she immigrated from the former Soviet Union 32 years ago, the tremendous pressure of being in a different country was almost unbearable. “I never thought it would be that hard,” she said. “For several years, I worked low-paid jobs everyday, and went straight to school at night after work. Later on, after I found a professional job, life became even harder. Because I lived most of my life under an autocratic government, it was difficult to understand how to get along with people in a country with real freedom of speech. I couldn’t break out of my fearful mindset, and found it hard to believe there is goodness in human nature.”

Local practitioner Marina Vassong shares her cultivation journey. (The Epoch Times)

However, after she began practicing Falun Dafa, it was as if she had found the key to solving all her problems. She said, “I first learned about Dafa during the most difficult time in my life. It is a wonderful, pure, and powerful spiritual way. Through the practice, I found the answer to important questions that had troubled me for years, such as why I came to this world, and what is the meaning of life? Dafa helped clarify all sorts of complicated problems in life; my moral character improved significantly; and my health improved too.”

Now, Vassong is no longer the pessimistic, anxious person from over three decades ago. She said, “Falun Dafa taught me how to treat others with kindness, learn to forgive, not hold grudges, not return violence with violence, and to always be considerate. When I run into difficult situations in life, I try to follow the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. As a result, problems often get resolved peacefully without any negative effects.”

People Learn the Exercises and Long for Inner Peace

Arbana, originally from Algeria, was drawn to the “energy” coming from practitioners. She is a Tai-chi enthusiast and very interested in Falun Gong, so she learned the five sets of exercises.

Arbana tried out the Falun Gong exercises at the World Falun Dafa Day celebration. (The Epoch Times)

She said Falun Gong is different from other meditation practices she tried in the past, and wants to continue learning. “I think I am lucky to encounter Falun Gong. I feel that this is just what my body and heart have been searching for, what I’ve always needed.”

She continued, “Usually I find it hard to truly focus when I meditate at home. even though I try, it is not so easy to do. I have been practicing Tai-chi, but this is completely different.”

Leo Layden said he really resonates with the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. (The Epoch Times)

Another Philadelphia resident, Leo Layden, was drawn to the cultivation stories shared by practitioners. He said the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance strongly resonate with him and give him warmth and hope. He added, “Now, I feel very peaceful. This is what I have always wanted to have in life.”

Layden said he grew up in a family with an alcoholic father, who put him down, leading to an inferiority complex and difficulties in interpersonal relationships. He said, “I always felt hurt by others, and kept holding on to those negative emotions.”

He felt inspired by the sharings from practitioners, saying, “What’s most important is inner peace, love and kindness, loving others. Don’t live with hatred and a negative attitude towards life.” He hopes to learn more about Falun Gong and read the main book Zhuan Falun.

Passersby Sign Petition, Advocate Freedom of Belief

Practitioners also raised awareness about the persecution of Falun Gong by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Since 1999, the CCP has attempted to eradicate Falun Gong, including arresting, torturing, and even killing practitioners. Some met their deaths after becoming victims of the CCP’s state-sanctioned forced organ harvesting.

Many passersby signed a petition to support the bill “Falun Gong and Victims of Forced Organ Harvesting Protection Act” introduced in the US Senate, and urged the US Government to investigate and take action to help stop this human rights abuse.

Students Ethan House and Kagan Fisk signed the petition supporting the bill in the Senate. (The Epoch Times)

Ethan House and Kagan Fisk are university students from Florida, and both signed the petition. House said, “I’m signing this because I have never heard of this [persecution] before. It seems like such a huge issue, something, so I want to do what I can to support it [Falun Gong].”

His girlfriend Fisk agreed, saying, “I think freedom of religion is important. No one should be persecuted for anything they believe in. What especially caught my attention here was the forced organ harvesting. People should have autonomy over their own bodies. To harvest people’s organs, that is such a massive ethical violation that should not be allowed to continue.”

Passersby stopped at the information table to find out more about Falun Gong and signed the petition to support the bill in the Senate. (The Epoch Times)