Marching monks deliver final peace message at National Mall

Buddhist monks concluded a roughly 2,300-mile Walk for Peace at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, urging mindfulness and kindness as supporters gathered.

On Wednesday, a group of Buddhist monks marched along the National Mall and gathered at the Lincoln Memorial to conclude their Walk for Peace. The pilgrimage began on Oct. 26 in Fort Worth, Texas, and covered roughly 2,300 miles. Supporters filled the Mall with flowers and signs bearing messages about peace and mindfulness. Organizers described the journey as intended to promote small daily acts of kindness and a continued commitment to nonviolence. Key details: - The walk began 109 days earlier in Fort Worth and was reported as a roughly 2,300-mile pilgrimage. - The group started with about two dozen monks; the Associated Press described the journey as 108 days and reported that 19 monks made the full trek. - Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara led the group and urged people to slow down in moments of conflict and to practice brief moments of mindfulness. - Supporters traveled from several states to see the finish; some attendees described the event as hopeful and inspiring. - After the Washington events, the monks were expected to arrive in Maryland, board a bus back to Texas, arrive in Fort Worth on Saturday, and complete a final six-mile walk to the point of origin. Summary: The march concluded with public calls for mindfulness and kindness at the Lincoln Memorial and drew supporters who described the pilgrimage as hopeful. Organizers said the Walk for Peace will continue beyond the closing ceremony. The group planned travel to Maryland and then a return by bus to Fort Worth, with a final six-mile walk scheduled to the starting point.