RICHMOND, Va. — A group of Buddhist monks on a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace are making their way toward Central Virginia, stopping in Brunswick County Wednesday night.
The Walk for Peace, which began in Texas in October and plans to end in D.C. in February, aims to promote peace, compassion, and nonviolence. The monks crossed the border from North Carolina into Brunswick County, Virginia on Wednesday, Jan. 28 — the 95th day of their journey.
"Virginia, we are honored to walk your roads," the group shared on social media. "May we share peace, compassion, unity, and healing together as we move closer to our destination."
The monks stopped for a public visit at the Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Gasburg Wednesday night. Click here to watch a replay of the live stream on Facebook.
The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office shared the following update on Thursday:
- Day 2 is halfway complete, with the Walk for Peace and accompanying monks traveling north through Brunswick County.
- The group began the day at sunrise in Gasburg and is currently pausing for lunch at Brunswick Byways Visitor Center in Lawrenceville.
- It is not known if there will be public interaction at the lunch stop; monks are using the time for rest.
- Citizens are encouraged to view the walk within the Town of Lawrenceville, as it offers the safest spectator opportunities.
- Arrival in Lawrenceville is expected between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., depending on pace.
- From Lawrenceville, the walk will proceed toward Alberta, with the overnight stop at Bethel United Methodist Church. Visiting hours will again be 6 p.m. –8 p.m. tonight.
- The Sheriff’s Office advises significant traffic and parking impacts along the route and at the church; alternative routes are encouraged.
- The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided through official channels.
Today’s Route (Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026):
- Start: Gasburg (Sunrise)
- Lunch: Brunswick Byways Visitor Center – 13516 Christianna Hwy, Lawrenceville
- Continue: Through Town of Lawrenceville (safest viewing area, expected between 3 p.m. –4:30 p.m.)
- Proceed: Poor House Road toward Alberta
- End/Overnight Stop: Bethel United Methodist Church – 45 Church Street, Alberta (Visiting Hours 6 p.m. –8 p.m.)
The monks are expected to arrive in Petersburg on Jan. 31, and Richmond on Feb. 1, according to the Walk for Peace Overview Map.
Click here to view the Live Map, which shows the exact route and stop locations for each day.
They say the best spots to visit are at stop locations for lunch and nightly rest.
According to the Overview Map, they will also pass through:
- Ladysmith
- Fredericksburg
- Marine Corps Base Quantico
- Catlett
- Comptons Corner (Centreville)
- Arlington
The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office urges citizens to prioritize safety and treat the monks with kindness and respect, providing the following guidelines:
- Keep the area quiet, peaceful, and deeply respectful
- Please do not walk with the monks
- When greeting the monks, place your hands in prayer and bow
- No gifts other than flowers as a sign of respect
- Do not touch the monks — no handshakes, hugs, or high fives
- The monks may avert their eyes, it is a sign of respect
- Some monks take vows that prohibit contact with the opposite gender, please be mindful
For more information on the Walk for Peace, visit their Facebook page or website.
Have you met the monks on their journey? Email the CBS 6 Newsroom.
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