Hundreds join Walk for Peace homecoming for Buddhist monks in Fort Worth
Hundreds of supporters lined the streets of east Fort Worth on Saturday morning to welcome the Buddhist monks home after their 2,300-mile Walk for Peace.
By 7 a.m., a large group had already gathered at Eastover Park, where the monks were due to arrive. Someone scattered red and white rose petals on the road and several people were carrying bouquets of flowers.
Yvonne Hanson left her home in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, at 6 a.m. Thursday and drove more than 17 hours so she could be on time to walk with the monks on the last leg of their journey from the park to their temple, the Húóng Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center.
Hanson told the Star-Telegram that she’d been among the millions of people following the monks’ journey on social media.
“My heart just wanted to burst,” she said. “I just felt it was something I had to do.”
Kristen Hackenberg from Cache, Oklahoma, contrasted the monks’ message of peace with the political divisions that continue to roil the nation.
“Look what we can do if we come together,” Hackenberg said.
Danielle Deraleau said she’s been following the walk online, and she’s been pleased to see how many people turned out to support the monks at their various stops.
“It’s nice to see something online that makes me feel hopeful,” she said.
The monks set off from the Fort Worth temple on Oct. 26. Clad in brown robes and carrying simple packs on their shoulders, they prepared to walk to Washington, D.C., on a mission to promote national healing and unity. The journey spanned nine states in 112 days.
Despite a serious accident near Houston that injured two monks, the group persevered and arrived in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. They returned to Fort Worth around 8:40 a.m. Saturday in a charter bus.
Cheers erupted from the onlookers as the bus headed down Ramey Avenue toward Eastover Park. One woman held up a hand-lettered sign reading, “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
A throng of people gathered around as the monks disembarked. Most joined the men and their dog, Aloka, for the approximately one-mile walk to the temple.
Apotsala Wilson, who is part of the Buddhist community in Dallas, described the homecoming celebration as a once-in-a-lifetime event. She was touched to see how many people showed up to express their support.
“I think peace is universal,” she said of the appeal the monks’ journey has had to individuals of all ages and walks of life.
The monks arrived at the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center shortly after 9:15 a.m. The abbot of the temple, Venerable Ratanaguna, was waiting to welcome them inside the stone arches of the entrance. After a time of prayer indoors, the monks assembled for a ceremony in front with city and state officials.
“Seeing you gives me so much inspiration that love and compassion and peace are still alive in this nation,” State Rep. Salman Bhojani told the group in the packed courtyard.
Fort Worth City Council member Deborah Peoples addressed the monks on behalf of Mayor Mattie Parker and thanked them for their vision.
“Thank you all for carrying the spirit of Fort Worth to our nation’s capital and into the national conversation,” she said. “You have made our city proud, and your message will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Bhikkhu Pannakara, the vice president of the temple and the leader of the walk, was the final speaker. He began behind the podium but then joined the crowd in the rain and exhorted them to continue walking in the path of peace.
“This is what we need in this world,” he said. “Lovingkindness, compassion and peace.”
Bob Booth special to the Star-Telegram contributed to this report.
This story was originally published February 14, 2026 at 2:36 PM.
