NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Aruna Miller Welcomes Buddhist Monks on 2,300-Mile “Walk for Peace”
Annapolis, MD, Feb. 12, 2026 — Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller on Wednesday welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks to the Maryland State House, marking the final stop of their 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace” that began in Fort Worth, Texas, last October.
The monks, joined by dozens of volunteers and their canine companion, Aloka, walked across 10 states and through the nation’s capital before arriving in Annapolis — a city often described as the nation’s first peacetime capital. Organizers said this was the first time during the pilgrimage that the monks were received at an official residence of a First Family.
“I am profoundly honored that this extraordinary delegation of venerable monks chose to include Annapolis as a sacred stop on their remarkable journey,” Miller said. “From Fort Worth, Texas, across ten states and through our nation’s capital, it is both fitting and deeply symbolic that the Walk for Peace concludes here in Annapolis.”
An estimated 12,000 people gathered along the monks’ route from Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to the State House, offering a warm public welcome as the group approached the Capitol. Following brief remarks, Miller escorted the monks inside, where they were introduced in the House and Senate chambers and presented with official resolutions recognizing their journey. They also participated in a collaborative discussion with local elected officials and members of the Council for Interfaith Outreach, chaired by the lieutenant governor.
Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore later welcomed the monks to Government House for a private lunch. Before the meal, the monks were presented with Maryland state flag pins to commemorate their visit and thank them for their commitment to compassion and peace.
“It was an honor to welcome these spiritual leaders to Maryland, the final destination of their powerful ‘Walk for Peace,’” Moore said. “To walk 2,300 miles is a physical feat and a profound act of faith in motion.”
First Lady Moore described Government House as “The People’s House,” adding that the state remains committed to ensuring that all communities feel seen and welcomed. “We thank the monks for being an inspiration to all Marylanders, and showing us how we can unite our communities, uplift our society, and build meaningful connections under the one common goal of peace,” she said.
Dr. Lora Hargrove, Director of Faith Outreach for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, moderated the conversation between the monks and the Council for Interfaith Outreach. She emphasized the importance of interfaith collaboration in strengthening community resilience and fostering mutual respect across religious traditions.
“When faith communities come together to listen, learn, and serve alongside one another, we create a foundation of unity that lifts up all Marylanders,” Hargrove said.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Lt. Governor Miller each presented proclamations declaring February 12, 2026, as “Walk for Peace Day.” Montgomery County Faith Community Liaison Kate Chance offered a “Peace Day” citation, while Capitol Police Lieutenant Colonel Glend McGuire presented the monks with a police badge in recognition of their journey.
The pilgrimage began on October 26, 2025, rooted in Theravada Buddhist teachings of nonviolence, mindfulness, and loving-kindness. Lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra said the walk was inspired by his observation of a growing lack of mindfulness across the nation and the world.
The group initially carried 1,000 “peace bracelets” to distribute along the way. By the end of the journey, they had shared hundreds of thousands with supporters and well-wishers across the country.
“When we started out in Fort Worth, Texas, we were alone. We are not alone anymore,” said Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra. “After this walk, we are not alone. We have so many people walking with us on this path, together, for the better. So I am honored, I am grateful, that I chose this walk for peace.”
