Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks to the Maryland State House in Annapolis on February 12, 2026, marking the final stop of their “Walk for Peace.”

The monks, accompanied by dozens of volunteers and their canine companion, Aloka, walked more than 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. According to the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, this was the first time during the journey that the monks were received at an official residence of a First Family. An estimated 12,000 people gathered in Annapolis to greet the group as they approached the Capitol from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

“I am profoundly honored that this extraordinary delegation of venerable monks chose to include Annapolis as a sacred stop on their remarkable journey. To witness our community respond with such an outpouring of love, unity, and compassion fills my heart beyond measure,” said Lt. Governor Miller. “From Fort Worth, Texas, across ten states and through our nation’s capital, it is both fitting and deeply symbolic that the Walk for Peace concludes here in Annapolis — the nation’s first peacetime capital. This is a moment that will be etched in our history and in our hearts. We will never forget the grace, the purpose, and the profound spirit of peace that has brought us together today.”

Following brief remarks, Lt. Governor Miller escorted the monks inside the State House, where they were introduced in the House and Senate chambers and presented with resolutions recognizing their journey. The group also participated in what officials described as “collaborative” conversations with local elected leaders and members of the Council for Interfaith Outreach, chaired by the Lieutenant Governor.

Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore later welcomed the monks to Government House for a private lunch. Prior to the meal, the monks were presented with Maryland state flag pins to commemorate their visit and acknowledge their commitment to compassion and peace.

“It was an honor to welcome these spiritual leaders to Maryland, the final destination of their powerful ‘Walk for Peace,’” said Governor Wes Moore. “To walk 2,300 miles is a physical feat and a profound act of faith in motion. It was a privilege to welcome them to the People’s House as they conclude their journey.”

“After a powerful journey across the nation, the governor and I are proud to welcome these monks to ‘The People’s House,’ a place where we are committed to ensuring that all people feel seen and welcomed,” said First Lady Moore. “As a state, we know that in order to create change and build a better future — we must work together. We thank the monks for being an inspiration to all Marylanders, and showing us how we can unite our communities, uplift our society, and build meaningful connections under the one common goal of peace.”

Dr. Lora Hargrove, Director of Faith Outreach for the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives, facilitated discussions between the monks and the Council. She underscored the importance of “interfaith collaboration in strengthening community resilience, promoting mutual respect across religious traditions, and addressing common challenges together.”

“When faith communities come together to listen, learn, and serve alongside one another, we create a foundation of unity that lifts up all Marylanders,” said Director Hargrove. “Here in Maryland, we are proud to stand with leaders of all faiths to build bridges, foster dialogue, and advance peace in our communities.”

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Lt. Governor Miller each presented proclamations declaring February 12, 2026, as “Walk for Peace Day.”

Montgomery County Faith Community Liaison Kate Chance presented a “Peace Day” citation. Capitol Police Lieutenant Colonel Glend McGuire also presented the monks with a police badge to “honor their journey and their presence.”

The Peace Walk began on October 26, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. Rooted in Theravada Buddhist teachings of “nonviolence, mindfulness, and loving-kindness,” the pilgrimage was launched to raise awareness about peace after lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra said he observed a “lack of mindfulness” across the nation and the world.

The group initially carried 1,000 “peace bracelets” to distribute during the journey. By the end of the walk, hundreds of thousands had been shared with supporters across the country.

“When we started out in Fort Worth, Texas, we were alone. We are not alone anymore,” said Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra. “After this walk, we are not alone. We have so many people walking with us on this path, together, for the better. So, I am honored, I am grateful, that I chose this walk for peace.”

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