In the past year, I have felt less than peaceful due to these uncertain times, also battling an illness that took me away from normalcy as I fight a strain of Lyme disease which manifests in pain as I search for better health. I’m starting to win those battles.
During my healing time at home, I would check my Facebook feed and discovered the ongoing story of the 19 Venerable Buddhist monks who went on a humble mission. These monks were on a “Walk for Peace” to spread and teach messages of hope, love, compassion, nonviolence and peace through their footsteps on a 109-day pilgrimage. With approximately 20 walking miles daily starting out in October 2025 from Huong Đao Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth Texas, they headed east and then north through several states to their final Washington, D.C., destination in February 2026.
The “Walk for Peace” was led by Bhikkhu Paññakara through many communities that welcomed them with a place to rest and meals. He wore a scarf that held badges granted by sheriffs, local police and fire departments. Paññakara had to utilize three different scarves overall and at times the weight was 30 to 40 pounds. He wore them as a dedication to the weight of their service and commitment they make to humanity. The badges will be on display at the monastery.
As a reporter, I was compelled and drawn to join their journey just for a couple days if I could possibly muster the courage in my weakened condition. On their Facebook diary, I witnessed how they came up through the Carolinas and Virginia in real harsh winter conditions. While in Texas in November a vehicle even ran into them, injuring two, with one facing an amputation but later rejoining the journey. They never gave up. Overall, the monks traveled 2,300 miles.
Their stories finally inspired me to drive to Washington, D.C., take it all in, hear the lectures and to be a part of something the United States so badly needs at the moment. The people came from all over, feeling the same way, looking for encouragement, a unified message to carry into daily life.
As I walked seven miles over two days among the participants, including many monks and nuns, a calm entered my heart as I accepted what I have known all along: We are all brothers and sisters in life and must carry human kindness with us. Because that is how we heal a nation, a family, ourselves.
Peace and its definition ‘freedom from disturbance, tranquillity’ is what I was hoping for by covering this story. I found it.
If interested in following their continued effort or history, see the Facebook page “Walk for Peace” or even better go to dhammacetiya.com and click the Walk for Peace Activities tab.
Press photos by Lori PatrickDuring the Washington, D.C., visit, Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakara leads over 100 Buddhist monks that joined in with the original 19 monks who walked over 2,300 miles in celebration and support of the journey. They left the Washington National Cathedral and went on a four-mile walk through Embassy Row and onto St. George University. About 2,000 additional walkers followed the footsteps of the monks.
There was joy and love in the air during the procession on day 108 to Embassy Row. Together, people from different faiths, cultures and traditions looking to bring peace to their daily lives. The Walk for Peace wasn’t designed as a political movement. There weren’t many signs carried, but here is one that spoke of the spirit towards peace, compassion and non-violence.
On the steps of the Washington National Cathedral Venerable Bhikkhu Paññakāra addresses a crowd of over 3,500 people that intently listened to a 20-minute sharing of ideas pertaining to adopting a sense of peace in their personal lives. He spoke of tuning out the noise around them and delivered the message in a humorous way at times. Welcoming the event were Bishop Mariann Budde who recited the Prayer of St. Francis, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Dean Randy Hollerith.
On day two of the Washington, D.C., Walk for Peace event, the Venerable Monks made a stop at the Peace Monument, then went past the U.S. Capitol on Independence Avenue to end at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Thousands of people joined in and gathered on the National Mall to hear the day’s message and congregate together. The monks have walked through winter storms and freezing temperatures, but on this day the sun greeted Washington, D.C., like a blessing towards the mission.
Bhikkhu Paññakara speaks from the Lincoln Memorial, delivering a message of the journey while keeping flowers close by that he would hand to people who connected to him. Much of the walk was done in his bare feet. He explained the importance and support of communities and fire departments, law enforcement and sheriffs along the way. Also the clergy, nuns, universities, organizers and health staff. Paññakara told the crowd, “Peace doesn’t come from victory. Peace comes from the ability to live together. This moment will live with me for the rest of my life.”
“We stand together and offer a shared prayer for humanity with hope.” Bhikkhu Paññakāra leads the Walk for Peace gathering by suggesting both hands to the heart, breathe deep and feel the heartbeat. He reminded them to think of those in their lives, family, neighbor, friends, protecting one another especially our children and the vulnerable. After the prayer Paññakāra asked the crowd to recite, “today is going to be my peaceful day” with encouragement to wake up with the message every day.
Bethlehem Press correspondent Lori Patrick finds a spot on Independence Avenue next to the U.S. Capitol to be in position for photos of the Walk for Peace Venerable Monks when they come past toward the National Mall where she joined in with the community of people who traveled from many different states to be a part of the historic event leading to the Lincoln Memorial.
