Nearly two dozen Buddhist monks, accompanied by their dog Aloka, returned to the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center in east Fort Worth on February 14, marking 112 days since they embarked on their cross-country Walk for Peace.
Their journey began in late October when they set off toward Houston before traveling east across the United States. Along the way, they visited state capitols and historic sites, ultimately reaching Washington, D.C.
After covering an impressive 2,300 miles, the monks arrived in the nation’s capital on February 10, capturing the attention and hearts of countless individuals.
The Fort Worth Report collaborated with various news organizations involved in the CatchLight Local and Report for America initiatives to document and share highlights from the monks’ journey.
The monks also actively shared videos and updates from their historic trek on their Walk for Peace social media platforms.
Day 0 — Fort Worth
The Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center hosted a press conference on October 19, 2025, to announce the upcoming Walk for Peace.
During the event, monks gathered at the front of the center, with the Rev. Nguyen, also known as Tue Nhan Bhikkhu, addressing those in attendance.
Day 1 — Fort Worth
The monks officially began their journey on October 26, leaving the temple to head toward the Texas Capitol in Austin.
As they commenced the Walk for Peace, they traversed through the Stop Six neighborhood.
Day 25 — Houston Area
While exiting the Houston area, a vehicle collided with one of the monks’ escort vehicles on November 19. Some monks who were walking along the shoulder of U.S. Route 90 were struck, resulting in an injury to Bhante Dam Phommasan’s leg. He underwent surgery to amputate his leg on December 3 and was released from the hospital on December 10.
Day 41 — Natchez, Mississippi
By Day 41, the monks had crossed into Natchez, Mississippi, after making their way through Louisiana. The Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara led the group as they crossed the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge from Louisiana, arriving on December 5, 2025.
A monk warmly greeted a mother and child upon their arrival in Natchez.
Day 55 — Selma, Alabama
The monks received a warm welcome from police officers and law enforcement officials in Selma, where many presented them with commemorative badges and pins. They crossed the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge, a site of significant Civil Rights marches in 1965.
Day 91 — Raleigh, North Carolina
Between the 55th and 91st days, the monks traveled through Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Aloka the dog underwent surgery in early January while in South Carolina.
On January 24, 2026, despite the chilly weather, thousands gathered in Raleigh to witness the Fort Worth Buddhist monks on their Walk for Peace journey.
Day 101 — Ashland, Virginia
Just after the 100-day mark, the monks crossed into Henrico County, Virginia, on February 3, 2026. Led by 44-year-old Bhikkhu Pannakara, they passed by the Brook Run shopping center.
Children and teachers eagerly awaited the monks’ arrival along Brook Road.
Day 105 — Prince William County, Virginia
On February 7, 2026, the monks approached Dumfries Town Hall, greeted by enthusiastic children and adults. One monk was notably bundled up against the cold as they journeyed through southeastern Prince William County.
Day 108 — Washington, D.C.
The monks entered Washington, D.C., on February 10, completing their extensive 2,300-mile journey. Thousands gathered to welcome them at an arena at American University and at an interfaith event at the Washington National Cathedral.
Day 109 — Washington, D.C.
On February 11, crowds collected at the Lincoln Memorial for the monks’ peace ceremony. They held a gathering and concluding ceremony at this iconic site.
Day 112 — Fort Worth
On February 14, the monks returned to their Historic Stop Six neighborhood. A crowd of hundreds welcomed them as they disembarked from their bus at Eastover Park, following them on their final mile back to the center, where they were honored with rose petals, traditional lion dances, and chants.
Bhikkhu Pannakara, also known as Rev. Nguyen, stepped off the bus to enthusiastic cheers, leading Aloka home. He expressed gratitude to those who supported and followed their 2,300-mile journey for peace.
