If you haven’t been following along to our daily newsletter, last year 19 Buddhist monks embarked on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace from Fort Worth to Washington DC.
Now 108 days, 2,300 miles, and eight states later, they’ve reached the nation’s capital, concluding their mission to spread peace, unity, and compassion.
Major milestones
- On Sunday, Oct. 26, their journey began. The monks set out to walk ~20 miles per day, over 110 days, sleeping under trees and eating one meal a day, per tradition.
- On Wednesday, Nov. 19, two monks were involved in a vehicular accident near Houston. One of them — Bhante Dam Phommasan — immediately underwent surgery, resulting in a leg amputation.
- Phommasan wasn’t the only one who sustained injuries. The Walk for Peace’s loyal companion, Atoka “The Peace Dog,” also experienced a leg injury and received care from a vet clinic on Monday, Jan. 12 in South Carolina.
- On Monday, Jan. 19, the monks made it to Greensboro, NC, inspiring Major Marikay Abuzuaiter to declare it “Walk for Peace Day.”
- Throughout the 2,300-mile trek, the Walk for Peace Facebook page gained 2.7 million followers worldwide.
- On Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 8 a.m. local time, the monks crossed the Chain Bridge that connects Virginia to DC. The temple’s vice president, Bhikkhu Pannakara, announced via livestream.
Live updates from 6AM City markets
Throughout the 108-day journey, FTWtoday received photos and live updates from fellow editors across the 6AM City Carolina markets.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, the monks reached Charlotte, NC. Maria of CLTtoday said, “if you have a chance to see the Walk for Peace, highly recommend. I saw strangers hugging, crying, and coming together. A true community moment.”
On Monday, Feb. 9, they arrived in Alexandria, VA. Ava of NOVAtoday shared that “residents lined the streets to watch as the monks walked through, nearing the end of their journey. The monks waved at locals, saying good morning, while handing out flowers. I would be lying if I said I didn’t get a little emotional.”
How are the monks getting back to FTW?
We had this question too. The monks will return to Fort Worth on Valentine’s Day via bus. Everybody is invited to join the Homecoming Walk at 8 a.m., which will start in downtown FTW and end six miles away at the Huong Dao temple. Route details will be posted on their Facebook page.
