The monks are coming. Follow their path to enlightenment through the Fredericksburg region

The Walk for Peace is scheduled to make its way through the Fredericksburg region later this week.

The Buddhist monks of the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center are expected to make their way to the area between Wednesday and Friday. The group is currently traveling by foot on a 2,300-mile trek from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C. to promote peace, compassion and nonviolence. 

Their journey is expected to conclude in mid-February, where the monks — and their rescue dog Aloka — are reported to petition Congress to make the Buddha’s day of birth a federal holiday. The birthday of Guatama Buddha, whose teachings have inspired the pilgrimage, is typically celebrated in May.  

On Jan. 16, the City of Fredericksburg in conjunction with Stafford, Caroline and Spotsylvania counties issued a joint statement noting that they’d be working with public safety organizations to coordinate the monk’s visit. 

The group’s entrance into the region will be dependent on the weather. The Fredericksburg area and surrounding counties were hit with a snowstorm that left nearly 12 inches of snow Jan. 24-26. While the intended path is to move up Route 1, that could change depending on circumstances.

Fredericksburg Public Information Officer Caitlyn McGhee said that information regarding alternate routes and rest stops for the procession would be announced 24 hours before the monks’ arrival.

The localities have asked that residents who come to witness the procession follow all guidance and instructions provided by law enforcement and event coordinators. These include respectfully not touching, approaching or stepping in front of the monks and maintaining a respectful distance. This includes no walking or following behind the group due to safety concerns.

Supporters are also asked to quietly line the streets along the route and to stay out of the roadways in order to prevent obstructing traffic.

While many have offered donations to the monks, the localities report that they are not currently accepting material donations. This includes food, shoes, supplies and other necessities.