Awards and Recognitions in Nevada

US Congressman Joseph Heck from Nevada Writes in Celebrating Falun Dafa Day of 2012

June 08, 2012

(Minghui.org) On May 13, 2012, the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public and the 13th World Falun Dafa Day, US Congressman Joseph Heck from Nevada wrote the following letter in celebrating Falun Dafa Day of 2012. He said in the letter, “It is my hope that one day all Falun Gong, both in America and internationally, will be able to practice free of fear or persecution”

Joseph J. Heck 
3rd District, Nevada 
Congress of the United States 
House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515-2803

May 13, 2012

Dear Friends,

It is with great pleasure that I join you in celebrating Falun Dafa Day of 2012. Today practitioners of Falun Dafa come together free of intimidation or persecution to focus on improving personal physical condition and employing varying methods of self improvement.

Falun Dafa began in China in 1992 modeled after the universal idea of Zhen-Shan-Ren meaning truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. By 1999, millions of Falun Gong had experienced persecution and a denial of basic human rights to practice this peaceful art. In light of the injustice, Falun Dafa practitioners have responded by demonstrating their commitment to Dafa principles through a peaceful campaign to appeal for equality and freedom to practice.

As a physician, I understand the medical benefits derived from slow motion exercises similar to Tai Chi and Yoga. The practice of Falun Dafa is designed not only to help people improve physical condition but also reduce anxiety, strengthen moral standards and stop harmful personal habits or addictions. Those who practice Falun Dafa serve our community by acting as stewards of honesty, courtesy, loyalty and unselfishness.

In response to the discrimination of Falun Dafa in China, the United States Congress has taken action by passing House Resolution 605 asking China to “immediately cease and desist from its campaign to persecute, intimidate, imprison and torture Falun Gong,” It is my hope that one day all Falun Gong, both in America and internationally, will be able to practice free of fear or persecution.

I commend the courage of those who continue to tirelessly campaign for equality and thank those who continue to make Nevada’s celebration of Falun Dafa a safe and peaceful day for all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joe Heck 
Member of Congress

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2012/6/8/133858.html

Nevada, USA: Board of Commissioners of Clark County Issues Proclamation Recognizing May 13, 2012 as Falun Dafa Day

May 31, 2012

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public and the 13th annual World Falun Dafa Day. The Board of Commissioners of Clark County, Nevada, issued a proclamation recognizing May 13, 2012 as Falun Dafa Day.

Proclamation

Whereas, it is the policy and pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners to honor and recognize those groups who encourage people to enjoy a healthy, harmonious and peaceful way of living; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa, also called Falun Gong, is a practice of mind and body which focuses on self improvement through adhering to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance. All teachings are free. It also incorporates slow motion exercises similar to Tai Chi or Yoga. Over 100 million people in over 80 countries are currently practicing Falun Dafa; and

Whereas, Mr. Li Hongzhi. The founder of Falun Dafa, introduced the practice to the general public on May 13, 1992 and estimated that 100 million people in China began to practice Falun Dafa in the first seven years; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa was banned by the Chinese communist regime in July 1999 and a brutal, nationwide persecution was launched. Despite nearly 12 years of persecution, Falun Dafa practitioners have demonstrated their commitment to the principles and have had the courage to carry on a peaceful campaign to appeal for their human rights and freedom; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa and its founder have received worldwide recognition and been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times since 2001; and

Whereas, Falun Dafa practitioners have introduced the practice to the Las Vegas community by providing free teachings of exercise, attending parades, offering free art exhibitions and free workshops in public libraries with the intention of encouraging people to enjoy a healthy, harmonious, and peaceful way of being.

Now, Therefore, We, the Board of Commissioners of Clark County, Nevada, do hereby recognize May 13, 2012 as Falun Dafa Day

Steve Sisolak, Vice Chairman 
Lawrence Weekly, Commissioner 
Tom Collins, Commissioner 
Lawrence L. Brown III, Commissioner 
Chris Giunchigliani, Commissioner 
Mary Beth Scow, Commissioner

Attest: 
Susan Brager, Chairman 
Diana Alba, County Clerk

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2012/5/31/133707.html 

Governor Brian Sandoval of the State of Nevada Issues Certificate of Recognition in Celebration of World Falun Dafa Day

May 15, 2012

(Minghui.org) May 13, 2012 marks the 13^th World Falun Dafa Day and 20^thanniversary of the introduction of Falun Dafa to the public. Brian Sandoval,Governor of the State of Nevada issued a Certificate of Recognition in celebration of World Falun Dafa Day.

Office of the Governor

State of Nevada

Certificate of Recognition

World Falun Dafa Day

In celebration of Falun Dafa, a Practice of Mind and Body which

Focuses on Self Improvement through Adhering to the Principles of

Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance

May 13, 2012

Brian Sandoval, Governor

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2012/5/15/133363.html

Las Vegas, USA: Mayor Oscar Goodman Proclaims May 13, 2010, as Falun Dafa Day

May 17, 2010

(Clearwisdom.net) On May 6, 2010, Mr. Oscar B. Goodman, Mayor of the City of Las Vegas, Nevada, proclaimed May 13, 2010, as Falun Dafa Day in the City of Las Vegas and encouraged all citizens to recognize the practice of mind and body that focuses on self improvement through adhering to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

From the Office of Mayor Oscar B. Goodman

Proclamation

By Virtue of the Authority Given to Me by the Laws of the State of Nevada and by the Charter of the City of Las Vegas,

I, Oscar B. Goodman, Mayor of the City of Las Vegas, do hereby proclaim

May 13, 2010

As

Falun Dafa Day

In the City of Las Vegas and encourage all citizens to recognize the practice of mind and body that focuses on self improvement through adhering to the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance.

In witness whereof: by the powers granted to me, I have hereunto set my hand and cause the seal of the City of Las Vegas to be affixed this 6^th day of May, 2010.

Honorable Oscar B. Goodman

Mayor, City of Las Vegas

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2010/5/17/117129.html#.T9WBZY4lb8s 

Governor of the State of Nevada Presents Certificate of Recognition to Falun Dafa Practitioners in Honor and Celebration of World Falun Dafa Day

May 28, 2007

(Clearwisdom.net)

Office of The Governor

Certificate of Recognition

Presented to:

Falun Dafa Practitioners

In honor and celebration of World Falun Dafa Day

The State of Nevada congratulates you on this fine day and wishes you continued success in future endeavors.

Date: May 13, 2007

Jim Gibbons
Governor

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2007/5/28/86180.html#.T9VeSY4lb8s

Nevada: State Assemblyman Ohrenschall Proclaims Recognition of World Falun Dafa Day

May 16, 2007

(Clearwisdom.net) On May 13, 2007, Nevada State Assemblyman James Ohrenschall proclaimed in recognition of the Annual World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2007. The proclmation says: "the State of Nevada commends Falun Dafa for encouraging Nevadans to purify their hearts, energize their bodies, break old addictions, and to live in harmony with each other." "The citizens of Nevada are urged to celebrate and recognize the Annual World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2007."

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, The Annual World Falun Dafa Day is being held this year on May 13, 2007. Falun Dafa practitioners are celebrating this commemorative day through festivals and events scheduled worldwide throughout the month of May; and

WHEREAS, Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a system of exercise and meditation with an ancient Chinese Buddhist heritage. Falun Dafa teaches the virtues of truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance; and

WHEREAS, During the Annual World Falun Dafa Day, practitioners reflect on the banning of Falun Dafa in 1999 by the People's Republic of China (PRC). The suppression of Falun Dafa by the PRC continues to this day and has been regarded by most western governments as a major international human rights issue; and

WHEREAS, Falun Dafa was first introduced to China in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi and has since gained millions of followers throughout the world. Mr. Li Hongzhi, who currently resides in the United States, has been honored by several American politicians and is reported to have been nominated twice for a Nobel Prize; and

WHEREAS, Falun Dafa was introduced to Nevada in 1998, and is one of the newer additions to the rich tapestry of diverse beliefs and practices in this State; and.

WHEREAS, Falun Dafa has been recognized by several Nevada officials, including former Governor Kenny C. Guinn, United States Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, and Governor Jim Gibbons; and

WHEREAS, Several studies conducted throughout the world have suggested that there are significant mental and physical health benefits associated with the practice of Falun Dafa; now, therefore, be it

PROCLAIMED, That Falun Dafa transcends cultural and racial boundaries, and contributes to the universal dream of a peaceful, tolerant, and more compassionate society; and be it further

PROCLAIMED, That the State of Nevada commends Falun Dafa for encouraging Nevadans to purify their hearts, energize their bodies, break old addictions, and to live in harmony with each other; and be it further

PROCLAIMED, That the citizens of Nevada are urged to celebrate and recognize the Annual World Falun Dafa Day on May 13, 2007.

DATED this 13th day of May, 2007.

James Ohrenschall

Nevada State Assemblyman

http://en.minghui.org/html/articles/2007/5/16/85699.html#.T9Vdj44lb8s 

US Senator from Nevada: "I Am Concerned about Human Rights in China and Particularly Disturbed by the Chinese Government's Persecution of the Falun Gong."

November 20, 2002

(Clearwisdom.net)

Dear Mrs (name omitted).

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for Falun Gong. I appreciate hearing form you.

I am concerned about human rights in China and particularly disturbed by the Chinese government's persecution of the Falun Gong. As you know, the PRC's crackdown of Falun Gong began in July 1999 and continues today. Some Falun Gong practitioners have been imprisoned and tortured by PRC authorities, and others are forced to practice secretly in their homes. I am deeply troubled that this persecution and harassment of Falun Gong takes place outside of China as well.

As you know, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) introduced a concurrent resolution (H.Con.Res.188) on July 18, 2001 that would call on the Chinese government to end its persecution of Falun Gong practitioners. This resolution would authorize the Administration to demand that the Chinese government to release Falun Gong practitioners from prisons pursuant to international treaties and to investigate allegations of PRC harassment of U.S. citizens who practice Falun Gong. The House of Representatives passed this resolution on July 24, 2002. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is currently reviewing H.Con.Res. 188. If this resolution should come to the Senate floor, I will remain mindful of your support as I discuss it with my colleagues.

Again, thank you for taking time to share your thoughts with me. For more information about my work for Nevada, my role in the United States Senate Leadership, or to subscribe to regular e-mail updates on the issue that interest you, please visit my Web site at (omitted). I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

My best wishes to you. 

Sincerely,

Harry Reid

United States Senator