(Minghui.org) Several federal, state, and local officials in Maryland, USA helped to celebrate World Falun Dafa Day in their communities by issuing certificates of special recognition, local Falun Dafa Day designations, and congratulatory letters.

“Falun Dafa has fostered interfaith, intercultural, and intellectual education. It has championed a more peaceful society and has enriched our communities,” said U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings in his letter on May 13, 2014.

Mr. Cummings also took the opportunity to thank practitioners for what they do “to exemplify, encourage and support tolerance and world peace.”

U.S. Senator for Maryland Barbara Mikulski recognized practitioners in her certificate on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Falun Dafa for “promoting the Falun Dafa's principles of truthfulness, compassion and forbearance within the Chinese American community.”

U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes extended his congratulations to practitioners in his district, and referred to the 15th World Falun Dafa Day as a “milestone event.”

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, mayor of Baltimore, Maryland, issued a proclamation designating May 13, 2014, as "Falun Dafa Day" in Baltimore City.