Residents lined the streets of Old Town Feb. 9 as a group of Buddhist monks on a nationwide “Walk for Peace” made their way through the city, sharing a message of mindfulness, compassion and inner calm. The monks, who began their 2,300‑mile pilgrimage in October at a Vietnamese Buddhist temple in Fort Worth, Texas, were in the final stretch of their journey toward Washington, D.C.

Crowds gathered along South Washington Street and near Christ Church, where the monks paused to address attendees. Despite rain, cold and wind, hundreds welcomed the travelers with signs, gifts and quiet reflection. Many in the audience were moved by remarks from Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who encouraged mindful breathing and reconnecting with one’s heartbeat as a way to slow down in a fast‑moving world.

“Today is our 107th day,” said Pannakara. “We’re at 2,122 miles already and we are about to come to the final destination, which is the White House.”

City officials coordinated rolling road closures as the procession moved through Alexandria along the George Washington Parkway and into Old Town. Residents were asked to stay on sidewalks, observe quietly, and allow the monks to lead any interaction as part of maintaining the contemplative nature of the pilgrimage. The City of Alexandria also prepared for temporary traffic impacts throughout the day as the group continued toward Arlington.

At Christ Church, Mayor Alyia Gaskins briefly presented the monks with a proclamation recognizing their dedication to peace and compassion. The monks, dressed in saffron and ocher robes and accompanied by their rescue dog Aloka, shared reflections rooted in forgiveness, mindfulness, and healing.

“This is not a destination,” Gaskins said. “Peace is a practice and so today we recognize the venerable monks and the work that they are doing and the efforts and the ways that they are showing us that step by step together we can create a world that is filled with more unity, with more love, and taking more actions to create the peace that we all deserve and aspire to today.”

Congressman Don Beyer was among the elected officials welcoming the monks to Alexandria.

“Their walk today sends us a profound message,” Beyer said. “It shows us that peace is possible, that hope endures and that each step taken with intention can move us closer to peace.”

Alexandria served as one of the final major stops before the group’s planned arrival in Washington, D.C., where they petitioned Congress to recognize Buddha’s birthday and day of enlightenment as a federal holiday. Their journey drew national and international attention, amassing millions of followers across social platforms and inspiring supporters who have traveled long distances to meet them in person.

Once in Washington, the monks continued a schedule of interfaith events and public gatherings through the week.

Said Pannakara before continuing the journey to Washington, “We have been walking every day and believe that together we can change this world.”

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara with Aloka, an adopted dog who made the 2,300 trek to Washington with the Buddhist monks.