Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla Gives a Speech to Celebrate the World Falun Dafa Day

Thank you so much. It's a great privilege for me to be here today and recognizing and celebrating the World Falun Dafa Day. We've been here several times over several years to help celebrate the peaceful peacefulness and how it makes people feel to deal with the challenges of everyday living here in the city of Philadelphia. So we recognize the is pleased and proud to join with the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association in celebrating the World Falun Dafa Day, marking the 34th anniversary and introduction of the physical and spiritual exercise. Whereas Falun Dafa, also called Falun Gong, is traditional Chinese mind-body practice that consists of five easy to learn exercises and studies to improve one's character, the patience is guided by the principle of truthfulness and compassion and forbearance. Whereas rooted in ancient Chinese spiritual tradition, Falun Gong was first taught publicly in China on May 13th in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhe, the founder of the practice. It spread quickly through the world of word of mouth and more than 100 million Chinese have found greater health and spiritual well-being through this practice. It is free to learn and has been embraced by people from all walks of life in over 100 countries. The principal book of practices, Zhan Falun, have translated into 50 languages and whereas since 1992 over 100 million people worldwide have become healthier, happier, and more altruistic through their practices of Falun Dafa, bringing untold benefits to societies around the globe. The practice has transcended class and ethnicity and educational levels and whereas Falun Dafa practitioners have fondly touched the lives of many local residents. They have offered exercise instructions and mind-body wellness information through free online workshops and outdoor exercise sites like we have today. Many have found Falun Dafa to be life-enhancing and even life-saving and whereas Falun Dafa practitioners cherish the freedom of beliefs in the United States, they also actively working to bring about the peaceful resolution of the persecution of Falun Gong in China since 1999 and whereas being honored during the 2026 World Falun Dafa Day anniversary event is Mr. Li Hongzhe who has been the recipient of numerous awards and proclamations for his efforts to promote the betterment of humanity. Mr. Li brings a true ancient Chinese culture values and constituents to the Pennsylvania as well as the people around the world. Therefore by this virtue the citation to Council City Philadelphia does hereby commend Mr. Li for his introduction of Falun Dafa to the world and join with the Greater Philadelphia Falun Dafa Association observance of the World Falun Dafa Day. We extend sincere respect and admiration of the legislative body and thank you for your work toward enhancing the physical and spiritual well-being of our city and our region. Congratulations and thank you so much.