On Oct. 26, 2025, a group of 19 Buddhist monks began their 2,300 mile walk in the name of national peace and unity. Having departed from Fort Worth, Texas, they intend to end their walk in Washington, D.C. sometime in Feb. 2026, after trekking through many different states and cities around the United States.
During the walk, many state and city locals have met the monks on the street to show their gratitude and appreciation for them and what they are walking for. During these local interactions, flowers, water, food and other resources are usually handed to the monks as an act of kindness during their sacrifice.
In addition to the monks’ marches, police and security officers have traveled beside them in cars to ensure their safety. Some locals have even joined in on the walk by following the line of monks for a limited distance. There was also a return of Aloka, a stray dog the monks adopted in 2022, who had to take a break from all the walking for a surgery to repair a leg ligament that was injured during his journey. However, Aloka was reunited with the monks mid-January while in Charlotte, North Carolina to continue the walk for peace.
However, in grim news, on Nov. 19, just a month after the monks’ departure, a pickup truck failed to brake and crashed into one of the security cars, which then crashed into the monks. While most of the monks were able to walk it off, one monk, Bhante Dam Phommasan, faced severe complications that ended with the amputation of one of his legs.
Beyond just that Nov. 19th incident, the monks have faced disrespect from some locals who chose to yell and laugh at their efforts for peace. Along with the disrespect from locals, monks have faced foot related sprains and injuries from the long and relentless walking.
Despite some challenges, nothing has been able to deter these monks from reaching Washington, D.C., and not even freezing temperatures and inclement weather could keep them from walking for peace. Even as they walk through the harsh sleet and snow storms in Virginia, they have only adapted rather than quit.
These monks have made it their mission to march in the name of peace through less-than-ideal conditions everywhere, inspiring Americans and bringing together communities wherever they travel. While they have faced harassment from some, many others have taken it upon themselves to provide hospitality via resources and flowers to the marching monks. Their bravery and determination is something to look up to while they bring forward a mindful message of peace worldwide.
