Watch this! –A recap of the Buddhist Monks’ “Walk for Peace” through Columbia

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Thousands of people ventured out to the streets to catch a glimpse of Buddhist Monks on their 2,300 mile “Walk for Peace” as they made their way through West Columbia and Columbia.

The journey began in Fort Worth, TX and will end in Washington, D.C. The 120 day trek began in October, landing them in West Columbia on Saturday afternoon. The monks walked over the Gervais Street Bridge to the Statehouse.

Many people offered flowers, water, and well-wishes to the monks, who say they are on a mission to raise awareness of peace, loving kindess, and compassion.

Columbia’s Mayor Daniel Rickenmann honored the monks with a proclamation, claiming today as “Walk for Peace Day.”

Aloka the Peace Dog is also making the journey to the nation’s capital with the monks.

Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara with the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center spoke to the crowd, reminding everyone that we are not robots, and need to remember to breathe and hold mindfulness.

The monks are staying at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Columbia on Saturday night before they will begin their walk through Blythewood on Sunday.