The proclamation reads, “Falun Dafa practitioners have touched the lives of Cincinnati residents and the world, during these difficult times. We offer exercise instruction, health information through free on-line workshops, cultural programs, outdoor exercise sites and various personal accounts. Many have found it to be life-changing for the better.

“As we seek to honor Falun Dafa on the 30^th anniversary of its founding, we in particular want to recognise the ongoing legacy of commitment to truth and compassion that had been brought into the world by those practitioners who persevered in the face of the brutal crackdown in China. We feel that those of us who live in freedom owe a debt their sacrifice, and that will be remembered by all of us who celebrate Falun Dafa Day on May 13^th.”

Background: What Is Falun Dafa?

Falun Dafa (also known as Falun Gong) was first introduced to the public by Mr. Li Hongzhi in Changchun, China, in 1992. The spiritual discipline is now practiced in over 100 countries and regions worldwide. Millions of people who have embraced the teachings—which are based on the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance—and learned the five exercises have experienced improved health and well-being.