Thousands Welcome Buddhist Monks in DC After Their 2,300-Mile Walk for Peace - Washingtonian

"Led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, the group was greeted by thousands of onlookers, who came to watch as the pilgrimage reached the cathedral. The monks were met with flowers and signs thanking them for spreading peace. Heather Wasler, the second person to arrive this morning around 10 AM, traveled three-and-a-half hours from Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to witness the ceremony. "To be able to be with people who are spreading love and peace and seeing it touch so many people is beautiful," she said."

"Rev. Randolph "Randy" Hollerith, Dean of the Cathedral, and Rev. Mariann Budde welcomed the group as they arrived, followed by a prayer to St. Francis. Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra then spoke about the importance of the walk and the act of practicing peace and mindfulness everyday. "I'm very grateful. And for that reason, I thank you all, for all the love, hospitality, and your support to come out for this mission, to walk with us, for the rest of our lives," said Paññākāra."

"Kimberly Bassett, Secretary of DC, also spoke. "Today they mark the end of a 2,300-mile walk, but it's not the end of our journey for peace," she said. "Your pilgrimage has brought people together across cities, states, and communities, all things, all backgrounds, all of us together, united in the shared belief that we can choose healing over harm, understanding over division, and peace over conflict.""

Nineteen Venerable Buddhist monks completed a 108-day, 2,300-mile walking pilgrimage that began October 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, and culminated in Washington, D.C. The first full day in Washington included an interfaith ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral with religious leaders such as Reverend Mariann Budde and Dean Randolph Hollerith. The monks were greeted by thousands of onlookers and received flowers and signs thanking them for spreading peace. Venerable Maha Dam Phommasan, who lost his leg in a November car accident while walking, rejoined the group for the final segment. Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra and Kimberly Bassett delivered remarks stressing gratitude, mindfulness, and continued commitment to peace.

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