Walk for Peace was a remarkable 110-day pilgrimage by 19 Buddhist monks along with their dog Aloka, all the way from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, DC to share a message of peace, mindfulness, and compassion. It was led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra. The monks walked as a moving meditation, a spiritual act to encourage people to slow down, reflect and cultivate peace within themselves. Along the way they shared teachings on compassion, peace and mindfulness to thousands of people that welcomed them.

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On February 11, 2026, Day 109, they held a large public gathering in Washington, D.C. at one of Americas most enduring symbols of unity, the Lincoln Memorial, where supporters and spiritual leaders joined the monks to celebrate the completion of the journey (with one more stop on Day 110 in Maryland) and reaffirm their commitment to peace. The monks and other guests offered chants and blessings dedicated to harmony among all people.

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During the gathering, Dr. Nina Meyerhof, Founder of the Children of the Earth and a Board Member of the Source of Synergy Foundation presented the Children’s Torch of Hope along with a Certificate of Appreciation to Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra, Leader of the Walk for Peace for their peaceful walk that raised awareness of inner peace and mindfulness across American and the world. The Children’s Torch of Hope serves as a symbol for future generations, demonstrating how simple acts of mindfulness and kindness can soften human hearts. 

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Nina said while passing the torch: This torch has been lying dormant for a while waiting for peace to come to our earth and you, Venerable have started a movement that opened the doors and magnetized our hearts. We are so eternally grateful, eternally. Please take this torch.

The Venerable said upon receiving the torch: “I am very honored. This is a very honorable moment to receive this torch. Don’t you think so? Thank you so much. I will receive this torch and continue the blessing.

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Since 1998 this original Torch of Peace was passed around the world engaging 25 million people, spiritual leaders and 45 heads of state in 62 countries. After the World Summit for Children in 1990, Youth carried the torch to His Holiness H.H. Dalai Lama who blessed it and said: “Children of the Earth are the greatest resource of our world.” The organization Children of the Earth, founded by Dr. Nina Meyerhof, was born and the torch was renamed the Children’s Torch of Hope. It continued to travel the world carried and touched by youth.

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Diane Williams, Founder of the Source of Synergy Foundation and her dog Kenji, Kanu Kogod, member of SOSF’s Evolutionary Leaders Circle and Susan Belchamber, Former SOSF Secretary joined the walk in Washington, D.C.

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