Buddhist monks and their supporters gathered at Washington’s Peace Monument on Wednesday to finish a nearly four-month, 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace,” after pushing through harsh weather and injuries. The march began on Oct. 26, 2025, when the group set out from Fort Worth, Texas, to promote compassion, unity and mindfulness
Supporters lined city streets to welcome the group into the nation’s capital, with many joining the final stretch of the 15-week trek.
“Having the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life and background, and having the same mission of finding peace and being intentional about my actions, that’s why I really came up today,” said spectator Rockland White.
The monks will visit the Maryland State House in Annapolis on Thursday before returning to Texas by bus, with an anticipated arrival in Fort Worth this upcoming Saturday.
Julien Lescano is a Senior majoring in digital communications and multimedia broadcasting. Born and raised in Miami, Julien has had a fond love for the world of broadcasting, and works to become a Reporter with a focus on local, environmental and political topics.
Cassandra Martinez is a digital journalism student with a focus on sports. A competitor in Olympic weightlifting at the national level and the lead commentator for the United Grid League, she combines storytelling skills with an athletic background to blend advanced insight with engaging narratives. She hopes to engage a diverse audience that can relate to the average sports media consumer and appeal to the masses on a human-interest level.
Alejandra Fonseca is a digital media journalism student at Florida International University with a passion for storytelling at the intersection of politics, culture and the arts. She has reported from Washington, D.C., as an intern with the Caplin News Bureau, producing weekly stories and covering events that highlight community and global connection. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she aims to amplify underrepresented voices and explore the human stories behind social issues.
Carolina Alvarez is a Florida International University student currently in her sophomore year and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in digital communications. She enjoys film, music, and fashion.
