Venerable monks wrap 15-week long Walk for Peace from Texas to DC

WASHINGTON (7News) — A group of Buddhist monks walked from Fort Worth Texas to Washington D.C. finishing their months-long journey on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

Thousands waited on the memorial to welcome them and hear about their journey.

The monks have made many strides but not without challenges along the way including a monk being hit by a car in Texas and Aloka, the peace dog needing surgery during their stop in South Carolina.

Millions have tracked the monks progress through a live map.

Throughout the eight states, millions of Americans have followed their journey in person or on line.

SEE MORE | Where to see the Monks’ Walk for Peace during last full day in DC

Two friend drove from Indianapolis, Indiana to DC to see the monks.

“I feel like its important. I support the fact that they are bringing attention to world peace and I wanted to be apart of it,” Rhonda Harris told 7News.

“I had been following them some time ago, when thy got to Georgia and my daughter lives in Columbus and I missed them to see them so I’ve been waiting on the opportunity to come and join them, Lasima Packet said.

Marissa Shea, traveled from Fort Lauderdale Florida, but not without stopping and seeing them in South Carolina first. She drove from Florida to see them in Washington, D.C.

SEE ALSO | Venerable Monks touch hearts during Walk for Peace in Virginia en route to DC

“The message is so needed right now.. and its brought me so much peace.”

Now that the monks have completed their journey, a source tells 7News, the group will take a chartered bus back to Fort Worth, Texas but the message on peace will continue.