(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas, celebrated the coming World Falun Dafa Day and the 20^th anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public at the Russell Creek Park on May 6, 2012. Mayor Jim Story of the City of Bedford and the City Council proclaimed May 13, 2012 as Falun Dafa Day in the City of Bedford, Texas. Mayor Story commended Falun Dafa practitioners’ contributions to the community. Below is the text of the proclamation.

City of Bedford

Proclamation

Whereas, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a peaceful self-improvement practice rooted in ancient Chinese culture that centers the universal principal of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance and it consists of five gentle exercises, including meditation; and

Whereas, Master Li Hongzhi, the founder of Falun Dafa, has helped millions across the world improve their health and moral standards, as well as deepen their understanding of life, humanity and the universe, through the practice of Falun Dafa; and

Whereas, transcending culture and racial boundaries, Falun Dafa has touched the lives of more than 100 million people in over 80 countries, more men and women in the United States are learning the practice and purifying their hearts, energizing their bodies, and striving to create virtuous communities; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public in 1992 in China and was introduced to Dallas-Fort Worth in 1996. Since then, many free introductory workshops have been held in public places such as city libraries and public parks, and practitioners have participated in many community events; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa practitioners’ determination and courage to stand up for Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance while facing severe persecution from the Chinese Communist Party has shown the value of life and the preciousness of human dignity; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa Practitioners in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area will celebrate World Falun Dafa Day in the Plano Russell Creek Park on May 6^th.

Now, therefore, let it be known that I, Jim Story, Mayor of the City of Bedford, and the City Council do hereby proclaim May 13, 2012 as:

Falun Dafa Day

In the City of Bedford

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Bedford to be affixed this 24^th day of April, 2012

Jim Story

Mayor