(Minghui.org) May 13 is World Falun Dafa Day. Two cities in Illinois proclaimed Falun Dafa Day or Week, and two cities issued letters in appreciation of Falun Dafa’s contributions to the community, the U.S., and the world, and to mark the occasion.

Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta of the Village of Bolingbrook proclaimed May 11-17 Falun Dafa Week (Minghui.org)

The proclamation reads, “WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, aka Falun Gong, an ancient meditation practice and spiritual discipline centered on the universal principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance (Zhen, Shan, and Ren); and

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa was first introduced to the public on May 13, 1992, in China by Mr. Li Hongzhi. May 13, also the birthday of Master Li, has been recognized as World Falun Dafa Day since 2000; and

“WHEREAS, As 13 May 2026 marks the 27th World Falun Dafa Day and the 34th anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction, as well as Master Li’s 75th birthday, millions around the globe with tremendous humility and deep reverence pay tribute to the founder Mr. Li, celebrating the remarkable benefits that this great practice has brought to our society; and

“WHEREAS, Recognized for transcending cultural and national boundaries, Falun Data has touched and transformed the lives of over 100 million people throughout 114 countries and regions, improving their spiritual, mental, moral, and physical well-being yet deepening their understanding of life, humanity, and the universe, thereby the adherents striving to become better self-discipline and more altruistic through embracing virtue, cultivating character, and returning to true self; and

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners’ determination and courage to stand up for Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance while facing severe persecution from the genocidal and dictatorial Chinese Communist Party have demonstrated to the world their indomitable spirit and unyielding will in defending the values of humanity and safeguarding the sacred nature of the universal principles, yet still persevering in faith in their tireless efforts raising awareness and resisting the oppression through entirely peaceful means for over 26 years; and

“WHEREAS, Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of local residents in Chicagoland for over two decades, offering exercises teachings and sharing the benefits of the mind-body-spirit practice, particularly through free introductory workshops and outdoor exercises in local parks; participating in many community events such as parades and festivals; and working actively toward a peaceful resolution to the nationwide persecution of Falun Gong in China; and

“WHEREAS, On May 13 in 2020, 2023, and 2024, respectively, two U.S. flags were hoisted over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Falun Dafa-the self-cultivation and self-improvement spiritual practice, and Mr. Li Hongzhi - a five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee alongside thousands of awards and proclamations, and

“WHEREAS, This proclamation will help recognize the value and significance of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance, send a strong message of solidarity to those suffering at the hands of the Chinese regime and a complete denial of its inhumane persecution and forced organ harvesting from Falun Gong practitioners in China.”

Mayor Reggie Freeman of the City of East Moline proclaimed Falun Dafa Day (Minghui.org)

The proclamation from Mayor Reggie Freeman of the City of East Moline reads, “WHEREAS, the practice consists of gentle exercises, meditation, and teachings that promote physical health, moral integrity, and inner peace; and

“WHEREAS, practitioners of Falun Dafa in communities across the United States, including here in East Moline, have contributed positively through volunteerism, cultural enrichment, and a commitment to peaceful living; and

“WHEREAS, May 13 is recognized globally as World Falun Dafa Day, commemorating the public introduction of the practice and celebrating its positive impact on individuals and communities; and

“WHEREAS, the City of East Moline values diversity, freedom of belief, and the peaceful expression of cultural and spiritual traditions.”

Mayor Senta Plunkett of the Village of Wilmette and her letter (Minghui.org)

Mayor Senta Plunkett of the Village of Wilmette wrote, “Since 1992, over 100 million people worldwide have benefited from practicing Falun Dafa, experiencing improvements in health, well-being, and character. Falun Dafa was introduced to the Greater Chicago area in the mid-1990s. Since then, local volunteers have organized free workshops, teaching programs, seminars, and group exercise sessions in Chicago and surrounding communities, including Wilmette, Winnetka, Glenview, Skokie, Northbrook, and Morton Grove.

“Additionally, many residents in our area have attended performances by Shen Yun Performing Arts, which shares traditional Chinese culture and values such as truthfulness, compassion, forbearance, loyalty, and filial piety.

“On behalf of the Village of Wilmette, I congratulate you on the positive contributions this practice has made to our community and society, and I join you in recognizing May 11-17, 2026 as Falun Dafa Week. May 13 marks World Falun Dafa Day and the 34th anniversary of the introduction of this meditation and cultivation discipline.”

Mayor Janine Witko of the Village of Morton Grove and her letter (Minghui.org)

Mayor Janine Witko of the Village of Morton Grove stated, “Please accept my warmest congratulations to you and all Falun Dafa practitioners in our community as you celebrate World Falun Dafa Day on May 13th which marks both the anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction and the birthday of its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi. Over the past three decades, Falun Dafa has grown into a global spiritual practice embraced by millions of people across more than 100 countries, united by its core principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

“These timeless values serve as a reminder of the universal human aspiration toward integrity, kindness, and moral cultivation. The dedication of practitioners to living by these principles stands as an inspiration to people of all backgrounds and beliefs.”