Annapolis welcomes monks' final Walk for Peace despite cold

A large crowd gathered in Annapolis in freezing weather to greet 19 monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center after their 108-day, 2,300-mile Walk for Peace; the monks paused in Annapolis before returning to Fort Worth.

People from across Maryland and the Washington, D.C., area gathered in Annapolis to welcome 19 monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center. The monks completed a 108-day, 2,300-mile Walk for Peace that began in October and formally ended in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 11. They made an additional stop in Annapolis before returning home to Fort Worth. Despite freezing temperatures, attendees waited for hours with flowers, signs and quiet support. Key details: - Nineteen monks walked a route through eight Southern states over 108 days, covering about 2,300 miles and holding meetings and meditation sessions along the way. - The monks' rescue dog, Aloka, also gained attention during the journey. - Hundreds of people gathered early at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and later followed the monks as they walked to the Maryland State House. - Indigenous leaders including Shannon Holsey, Michelle White-Denny and Margot Gray planned to present prayer shawls in a robing ceremony to honor the monks and Aloka. Summary: The event brought together people of varied ages and backgrounds who said they were moved by the monks' message of peace, compassion and mindfulness. Attendees described moments of calm and communal respect as the monks passed through. The monks will return to Fort Worth and have planned stops for peace gatherings in Virginia and Tennessee on their bus trip home.