Overview:
Monks participating in the Walk for Peace 2026 passed through Columbia, South Carolina last week, continuing a months-long journey on foot from Texas to Washington, D.C. The walk calls for peace, compassion, and nonviolence through daily action rather than protest. Presence News features on-the-ground video submitted by a reader who attended the event.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A quiet but powerful message moved through downtown Columbia last week as a group of monks participating in the Walk for Peace 2026 passed through the city, drawing local residents, faith leaders, and onlookers into a moment of reflection and unity.
The monks, who began their journey in Texas in October 2025, are walking on foot to Washington, DC with a singular mission: to call for peace, compassion, and nonviolence in a divided world. They have walked every single day since the journey began, covering thousands of miles across the country.
One of Presence News’ readers, Vivian, attended the Columbia stop of the walk and submitted video footage from the event, which is now featured on the Presence News YouTube channel.
A Message Delivered in Silence and Steps
Unlike traditional demonstrations, the Walk for Peace is marked by its simplicity. The monks walked calmly through the streets of Columbia, offering prayers, chants, and moments of silence rather than speeches or political slogans. Supporters joined alongside them for portions of the route, while others paused to observe, film, or reflect quietly from sidewalks.
Organizers of the walk say the daily discipline of walking is itself the message — a reminder that peace is not achieved through words alone, but through consistent, intentional action.
A National Journey With Local Impact
The Columbia stop was one of many across the Southeast as the monks continue their northward journey. Residents described the experience as grounding and unexpectedly emotional, especially given the scale of the commitment: months of walking, regardless of weather, terrain, or attention.
For some attendees, the walk served as a reminder that national conversations about peace, violence, and community healing often begin at the local level — one city, one step, one interaction at a time.
Continuing Toward Washington
The monks are expected to arrive in Washington, D.C. later this year, where the walk will culminate in a final call for peace addressed to the nation. Until then, the Walk for Peace 2026 continues through towns and cities across America, inviting people to pause, reflect, and consider what peace looks like in their own communities.
Watch Vivian’s on-the-ground video coverage now on the Presence News YouTube channel.
Keep up with the monks by following their Facebook Page for Updates!
Editor’s Note: Presence News welcomes verified reader-submitted photos and videos from civic, cultural, and public-interest events. Submissions may be edited for clarity and length.
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