A group of Buddhist monks, close to completing a 2,300-mile “Walk for Peace,” is expected to pass through Fairfax County early Sunday, February 8.
The walk, which has been in process for more than 108 days, is designed to promote unity, compassion, and mindfulness through a long-distance pilgrimage. The group is encouraging people to participate in major events in Washington, D.C., and Maryland from February 10 to 12, as they approach the final ceremonies of their walk. The schedule and invitation were posted by Walk for Peace. Fairfax traffic and safety information was provided by the Fairfax County Police Department.
The Buddhist monks, Fairfax police said, are expected to arrive in Fairfax County around 8 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, via Richmond Highway (Route 1) and Furnace Road in Lorton, although police said the exact time is dependent upon the group’s pace. Police said northbound Route 1 will be completely closed at Furnace Road as they walk on the entire road. They will walk to a Buddhist temple on Backlick Road for a parade and peace ceremony, and then depart between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m., turning left onto Route 1, northbound, and turning right onto Sherwood Hall Lane. The peace prayer ceremony is scheduled for 6-7 p.m. Sunday, police said.
The walk resumes Monday, Feb. 9, at 7 a.m., as they walk northbound on Sherwood Hall Lane, Fort Hunt Road, Morningside Lane, and onto George Washington Memorial Parkway, northbound, police said. The Buddhist monks plan to walk five miles, passing through the city of Alexandria, where they will be escorted by the Alexandria Police Department.
Beyond Fairfax, the Walk for Peace posted schedule lists public events in Washington beginning Tuesday, Feb. 10, including a public gathering at Bender Arena, an interfaith ceremony at Washington National Cathedral, and a “Unity Walk” on Embassy Row, with an overnight stop at George Washington University. On Wednesday, Feb. 11, organizers list a walk toward Capitol Hill, a concluding ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial, and an evening meditation session at GW’s Smith Center. The group says Thursday, Feb. 12 activities shift into Maryland, including a peace gathering at the Maryland State Capitol, followed by a departure for Fort Worth. Organizers also say many events will be livestreamed on their Facebook page and that a live map is pinned for route tracking.
Police urged drivers to plan alternate routes and allow extra time. Spectators were also asked not to stop or park in travel lanes, and not to walk in the roadway or follow behind the monks, citing safety concerns
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