A peace march consisting of 19 monks in the U.S. has reached Washington, D.C., concluding the "Walk for Peace" mission. The journey took more than 15 weeks, or 108 days, covering over 3,700 kilometers on foot from Fort Worth, Texas, to promote peace and inner calm.
The monks officially arrived in downtown Washington, D.C., marking the end of the "Walk for Peace" project after 15 weeks and more than 108 days. The march began at the Vietnamese Buddhist Temple in Texas and was greeted by a large crowd of Americans expressing their support with chants of "Sadhu" amid the cold weather.
This journey started on 26 October 2025 with 19 monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth, Texas, led by Bhikkhu Panyakara. Accompanying them was "Aloka," a rescue dog beloved by followers on social media.
Although aimed at peace, the route was not without challenges. In November, a truck collided with the monks' support vehicle near Houston, injuring two monks. Venerable Maha Dhamma Promsan, abbot of a temple in Georgia, lost a leg due to amputation but later rejoined the march in Washington, traveling in a wheelchair, touching many who witnessed it.
The monks stopped at the Washington National Cathedral, where leaders of various faiths welcomed them, including Bishop Marian Budde from the Episcopal Church.
Their first significant stop in Washington was at Bender Arena, American University, where over 3,500 people stood silently in respect as the monks entered the auditorium. This reception, unlike typical sports events, reflected deep faith rooted throughout the 3,700-kilometer journey.
Long Si Dong, spokesperson for the Huong Dao Temple, stated that this walk was not a political movement or a call for legislation, but a spiritual offering. He said, "It invites people to live peacefully through daily actions. When peace is planted in the heart, it naturally spreads throughout society."
The journey concluded on day 108, a Buddhist auspicious number symbolizing completeness and liberation. On Wednesday, the monks planned to walk past Capitol Hill and hold a closing ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial before returning to Texas by bus. They will complete the final 6 miles on foot into downtown Fort Worth on Saturday, 14 Feb 2026 GMT+7.
. SourceAssociated Press