Buddhist Monks Conclude 'Walk for Peace' at Lincoln Memorial

Two dozen walkers traveled over 2,300 miles across 8 states to promote 'national healing, unity, and compassion'.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

A group of Buddhist monks will conclude their multi-state 'Walk for Peace' this week with a visit to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. The two dozen walkers departed Fort Worth, Texas on October 26 and have traveled over 2,300 miles across 8 states, enduring harsh winter conditions, to promote 'national healing, unity, and compassion'.

Why it matters

The monks' journey has gained a nationwide following, with the group sharing frequent updates on social media and providing live tracking for the public. Their walk has included emotional interactions with supporters along the way, showcasing the power of peaceful demonstration and the desire for unity and compassion in communities across the country.

The details

On Wednesday afternoon, the group will walk down to the National Mall for a concluding ceremony in front of the Lincoln Memorial, followed by an evening meditation session. Their journey has included stops where local law enforcement agencies have accompanied the monks and presented them with pins, representing 'moments of connection' and 'gestures of recognition' for their peaceful mission. The monks will cross into Maryland on February 12 to begin their return journey to Texas, where they will walk a final 6 miles back to their starting point on February 14.

  • The group departed Fort Worth, Texas on October 26, 2025.
  • The monks will conclude their journey at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • The group will cross into Maryland on February 12, 2026 to begin their return journey to Texas.
  • The monks will walk the final 6 miles back to their starting point in Fort Worth on February 14, 2026.

The players

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara

A Buddhist monk leading the 'Walk for Peace' journey.

Kevin White

The Franklin County Sheriff who presented a pin to Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara during a lunch stop in Louisburg, North Carolina.

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What’s next

The monks will cross the border into Maryland on February 12 to begin their return journey to Texas, where they will walk a final 6 miles back to their starting point in Fort Worth on the morning of February 14.

The takeaway

The Buddhist monks' 'Walk for Peace' journey has demonstrated the power of peaceful demonstration and the desire for unity and compassion in communities across the country. Their emotional interactions with supporters along the way and the outpouring of support from local law enforcement and officials highlight the unifying message of their pilgrimage.