(Minghui.org) On April 25, 2023, the New York State Senate passed Resolution 821, commemorating the 24th Annual World Falun Dafa Day Celebration to be observed on May 13. This is the eleventh year that the New York State Senate has passed a resolution to commemorate World Falun Dafa Day. May 13, 2023 is the 31st anniversary of Falun Dafa’s public introduction and the 24th annual World Falun Dafa Day.

The resolution was sponsored by Senator Dean Murray of New York State’s 3rd District and co-signed by six senators: Monica R. Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Thomas F. O'Mara, James Skoufis, James Tedisco, and Mark Walczyk.

State of New York Legislative Resolution The New York State Senators who initiated and co-signed the resolution. From left to right: Senators Dean Murray, Monica R. Martinez, Jack M. Martins, Thomas Thomas F. O'Mara, James Skoufis, James Tedisco, and Mark Walczyk

The resolution reads, “This Legislative Body is justly proud to commemorate the 24^th Annual World Falun Dafa Celebration, to be observed May 13, 2023.

“Many of those who participate in World Falun Dafa Day celebrate the teaching which have brought physical health, joy, and peace of mind to millions of people across the globe throughout the entire week. 

“Practitioners of Falun Dafa strive to live by the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion and Forbearance in order to improve their moral nature, and in turn, to experience remarkable health benefits.

“The effectiveness of Falun Dafa in improving health, as well as the principles upon which it is founded, have proven to be immensely popular throughout the world and have attracted people in more than 114 countries.

“To the people of China, Falun Dafa provides a source of strength in the face of oppression, although the practice is banned in the land of its origin, practitioners persevere in the pursuit of their spiritual beliefs, risking imprisonment or worse.

“Falun Dafa is a practice which has brought better health and inner peace to millions around the world.”

Background: What Is Falun Dafa Day and Why Is It Commemorated?

World Falun Dafa Day was first designated on May 13, 2000, to celebrate the Falun Dafa spiritual discipline and its positive impact on the health and spirit of millions around the world. The occasion also highlights Falun Dafa practitioners' efforts to uphold their freedom of belief in the face of brutal persecution by the Chinese communist regime. May 13 marks both the anniversary of Falun Dafa's public introduction and the birthday of its founder, Mr. Li Hongzhi.