Over the weekend and into Monday, a group of roughly 18 monks who are walking from Texas to DC passed by the Fort Hunt area. Many families left their houses on an incredibly cold day to witness their journey.
The monks started this walk back in October to promote peace in a polarized America. They walked from dawn to dusk every day, no matter the conditions, and recently entered the area. Their smiles spread happiness to the viewers, who admire their journey and understand what determination really is.
Jackie Henwood, West Po Wire reporter, said, “My family is so involved in the monks’ walk for peace because my mother is from Laos and she is part of the Lao Temple in Maryland. She has always talked about the impact of peace in our family. We think their message shows that in a world full of wrongdoing, peace can still be found.”
Communities gathered together across Sherwood Hall Lane as the monks came close to finishing their walk for the day. Many made signs and others sold apparel, expressing their compassion for the journey. Fort Hunt residents Michelle and Michael Black created a flower decorated peace sign for the monks.
Michelle Black, Fort Hunt resident, said, “I’d like to be part of something bigger than myself, and it means a lot to see people come near DC right now, because peace is needed throughout the chaos.”
The monks finished their journey at the Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, where they had a peace prayer and speech. The monks promoted non-violence and inner peace, rooting for people to find tranquility in a world riddled with hatred.
Mr. Pabich, West Po English teacher, attended the speech, saying, “I think the monks’ activity is powerful and I wanted to bear witness. Their speech explained the importance of compassion and clearing yourself of vindictiveness, which is a difficult lesson to apply right now, but is a healing idea.”
On Monday morning, the monks traveled from Sherwood Hall Lane to the Parkway, where they left our area and continued their journey to DC.
