KANSAS CITY, Mo.—One of the best known proclamations in American history is the Emancipation Proclamation as it paved the way for ending slavery. It was issued in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, as commander and chief of the Union, declaring if states that had split from the Union during the American Civil War did not return, all slaves in those states would be deemed free.
This announcement expanded the war effort beyond unification and into human freedom. Two years later, the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was enacted making slavery illegal in the United States.
Proclamations from government officials today often carry a somewhat lighter tone, as declarations of celebration, remembrance, or recognition.
Proclamations and greetings issued around the world for Shen Yun Performing Arts 2015 world tour elaborate on the cultural importance of this New York-based classical Chinese dance and music company, and on its renewal of a lost human treasure-5,000 years of divinely inspired traditional Chinese civilization told through storytelling dance and a live orchestra.
This holds true of greeting letters from the Kansas Governor, three Missouri Senators and proclamations from six metro area officials from both states bordering Kansas City. They welcome Shen Yun as it returns to downtown KCMO at the Music Hall for three evening performances running May 5-7.
Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II, was pleased to welcome the internationally-proclaimed Shen Yun to the City of Fountains. He thanked the local Falun Dafa Association of Kansas City “for enriching our lives for bringing Shen Yun to Kansas City. Moreover, it is essential for Shen Yun performances to be here, which allows Chinese-Americans to connect with their roots and share their rich history with all American citizens.”
“The Shen Yun Production is an extraordinary display of rich cultural heritage of China. This breathtaking performance both inspires and captivates its audiences,” states Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback commends “the performers of Shen Yun for sharing their talent with audiences throughout the country and around the world and for advancing traditional Chinese performing arts everywhere.”
Six elegant proclamations were issued declaring the performances dates, May 5-7, as Shen Yun Performing Arts Days in their respective cities. The Missouri officials included Kansas City Mayor Sly James, Gladstone Mayor Brian Hill, Riverside Mayor Kathleen Rose, and Harrisonville Mayor Kevin Wood, and in Kansas, Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn, and Wyandotte Mayor Mark Holland.
“In this age of greater diversity and globalization, it is more important than ever that we recognize the beauty and strength resulting from our diverse cultural experiences,” states Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill. “Shen Yun performs all across the globe, and Kansas City is honored to serve as host for another year.”
As Shen Yun winds down from its annual tour, the last Midwest stop is Kansas City.
New York-based Shen Yun Performing Arts has four touring companies that perform around the world. For more information, visit ShenYunPerformingArts.org.
Epoch Times considers Shen Yun Performing Arts the significant cultural event of our time. We have proudly covered audience reaction since Shen Yun’s inception in 2006
