A remarkable journey of peace and compassion is making its way toward the Fredericksburg area, as Buddhist monks walking from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. are expected to pass through the region in early February.
The "Walk for Peace" is a 2,300-mile pilgrimage that began in October 2025 and is expected to conclude in February 2026. According to the monks' official Instagram page (@walkforpeace.usa), the walk aims to promote "peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America and the world." The monks are accompanied on their journey by a dog named Aloka.
Local Coordination Efforts
Local governments across the region are now coordinating the monks' passage through the area. In a joint press release, the governments of Caroline, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford announced they are working together to facilitate this official visit.
"Local governments and public safety agencies across the region are collaborating to help coordinate this official visit," the release stated. "This includes security, traffic management, and any logistical needs or planned stops within each jurisdiction."
Officials anticipate the walkers' arrival around February 5, though they noted this timeline was contingent on the monks remaining on route and on pace. Residents are encouraged to stay abreast of updates and to check in starting February 1 to plan accordingly.
Following the Journey
For those interested in tracking the monks' progress, the official Walk for Peace Instagram page provides several resources, as does their Facebook page: facebook.com/walkforpeaceusa. The page features an overview map showing the whole route, a daily live map that tracks each day's journey in near real-time, and nightly update posts with confirmed locations.
"We warmly invite everyone to visit us at our stops!" the page states, noting that visiting hours are typically during lunch (10:30 AM–1:00 PM) and at night rest stops (6:00 PM–9:00 PM).
Detailed maps and information are available at https://dhammacetiya.com/walk-for-peace/.
What to Expect
The joint government release emphasized that plans may change due to weather conditions and the monks' daily travel distance. "Because the monks' daily travel distance is dependent on weather conditions and overall progress, plans are subject to change," officials noted.
Residents are asked to remain patient and respectful as the monks pass through the area. Traffic volumes along portions of the route may be heavy at times, and drivers are encouraged to use caution and remain alert.
In addition, spectators are encouraged to follow the guidance shared by the City of Fredericksburg’s Government Instagram page on 21 January:
Follow all instructions and guidance from law enforcement and event coordinators.
Do not attempt to touch, approach or step in front of the monks.
Always maintain a respectful distance.
Do not walk behind or follow the monks for safety reasons.
Supporters are asked to quietly line the streets along the route.
Stay out of roadways and avoid obstructing traffic.
Local officials have specified that coordinating localities are not accepting donations or offers of assistance at this time. Updates and additional information will be shared on the following government websites and their official social media channels:
Caroline: www.co.caroline.va.us
Fredericksburg: www.fredericksburgva.gov
Spotsylvania: www.spotsylvania.va.us
Stafford: www.staffordcountyva.gov
As the Instagram page concludes: "May you and all beings be well, happy, and at peace. 🙏"
Note: At the time of publication, this information was accurate; however, with the upcoming weather forecast for this weekend, it is increasingly likely that there may be delays or interruptions with the monks’ progress on their journey to Washington, D.C. Please use the links and pages cited above for the most up-to-date information.