A group of Buddhist monks and their rescue dog Aloka captivated a nation in their 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” from Fort Worth, Texas to the capital Washington, D.C.

Led by Bhikkhu Pannakara, the Vice President of Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centre in Fort Worth, Texas, the group completed their arduous journey on 11 February 2026 with a Peace Gathering at the Lincoln Memorial.

Tens of thousands of Americans walked and supported their sincere journey, uniting the nation in a tumultuous time.  Those who were interviewed shared the hope that the monks brought to them – that peace is indeed the goal of human endeavour.

In his closing speech, Ven. Pannakara reminded that even if one hundred monks did another Peace Walk together, there won’t be peace in this world and one should not hope so.  Peace is only achieved in the individual, within each and everyone’s minds.

It was an arduous journey as they braved winter conditions and accidents including one requiring one of the monks to amputate his leg.  May the Venerable Sangha members and Aloka have a safe journey back and recover from their long journey.  We wish them the best of health and success in their noble endeavours in spreading the Buddha’s message of Compassion and Peace.