Spanberger proclaims Walk for Peace Day as monks reach 100th day

Gov. Abigail Spanberger proclaimed Feb. 2 as Walk for Peace Day as about two dozen Buddhist monks and their rescue dog arrived in Richmond on the 100th day of their pilgrimage; the walk is scheduled to finish in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11.

Governor Abigail Spanberger proclaimed Monday, Feb. 2, as Walk for Peace Day to mark the 100th day of a group of Buddhist monks' pilgrimage through Central Virginia. She welcomed about two dozen monks and their rescue dog, Aloka, to Richmond after the group walked through Dinwiddie County, Petersburg and Chesterfield County. The proclamation was Spanberger's first as governor after she was sworn in on Jan. 17 as Virginia's first female governor. The pilgrimage, which promotes unity, national healing and compassion, has passed through six other states and is planned to end in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11. Known details: - Proclamation date: Monday, Feb. 2, declared Walk for Peace Day. - Participants: about two dozen Buddhist monks and a rescue dog named Aloka. - Recent route in Virginia: trekked through Dinwiddie County, Petersburg and Chesterfield County before arriving in Richmond. - Earlier route: the pilgrimage passed through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. - Next scheduled stop: the pilgrimage is set to conclude in Washington, D.C., by Wednesday, Feb. 11. - First gubernatorial proclamation: this was Spanberger's first proclamation since her Jan. 17 swearing-in as Virginia's first female governor. Summary: The proclamation marked the 100th day of the Walk for Peace and noted the pilgrimage's focus on unity and compassion. City leaders were thanked for welcoming the group, and the pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11.