Thousands Gather for Walk for Peace at National Cathedral

Buddhist monks on pilgrimage from Texas make stops across D.C. before culminating at Lincoln Memorial

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Thousands of people gathered outside the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to witness the arrival of Buddhist monks participating in the Walk for Peace pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas. The monks are expected to make numerous stops across Northwest D.C. before culminating their walk at the Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The Walk for Peace is a highly visible event that brings together people of diverse backgrounds to promote unity and nonviolence. As one of the most prominent religious landmarks in the nation's capital, the National Cathedral serves as an important gathering place for the pilgrimage.

The details

The monks entered the District of Columbia via the Chain Bridge around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and will make stops at various locations, including the Peace Monument on Capitol Hill and St. Mark's Capitol Hill Church, before reaching the Lincoln Memorial. The Metropolitan Police Department will conduct rolling road closures along the walking route to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

  • On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, residents should anticipate rolling closures from approximately 8:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m.
  • On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, residents should anticipate rolling closures from approximately 12:30 p.m. through 1:30 p.m.
  • On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, residents should anticipate rolling closures from approximately 2:30 p.m. through 5:30 p.m.
  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, residents should anticipate rolling closures from approximately 9:30 a.m. through 10:30 a.m.
  • Between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Walk for Peace will make stops at the Peace Monument on Capitol Hill and St. Mark's Capitol Hill Church, before a final march to the Lincoln Memorial.

The players

Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)

The law enforcement agency that will conduct rolling road closures along the walking route to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.

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What they’re saying

“Monks and crowd gathered outside the West Front of the National Cathedral, taken from a roof across the street. Easily 2500+ people, I'd guess.”

— Susanna B. (popville.com)

What’s next

The Walk for Peace will make stops at the Peace Monument on Capitol Hill and St. Mark's Capitol Hill Church on Wednesday before culminating at the Lincoln Memorial.

The takeaway

The Walk for Peace is a powerful display of unity and nonviolence, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to promote peace and understanding at one of the nation's most iconic religious landmarks.