~Photos are available here ~
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined her Democratic Congressional colleagues in welcoming nineteen Buddhist Monks as they finished their 2,300 mile-long Walk for Peace.
“I’m glad to welcome the Venerable Monks who have traveled thousands of miles to spread their message.” said Senator Hirono. “Their journey reminds us that leading with compassion and striving for peace can bring us all together. I thank them for showing that each of us can do something to call attention to the fact that there can be peace in this world.”
In October, the Venerable Monks started their journey in Fort Worth, Texas. For the past 15 weeks, they have traveled the country spreading their messages of peace, kindness, and compassion. The Venerable Monks were also joined by their rescue dog, Aloka, which means “enlightenment” in Sanskrit. Over their 2,3000-mile-long journey, the Venerable monks faced immense challenges from severe weather to a tragic car accident that resulted in an injury.
Senator Hirono was joined by her Democratic Congressional colleagues including: CAPAC Chair Grace Meng, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, House DPCC Chair Debbie Dingell, CAPAC Chair Emerita Judy Chu, CAPAC member Senator Andy Kim, Representatives Ami Bera, Suhas Subramanyam, Derek Tran, Wesley Bell, Gil Cisneros, Steven Horsford, Jimmy Panetta, Jan Schakowsky, Lateefah Simon, Tom Suozzi, and Democratic Caucus members Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester and Representatives Maxine Dexter, Adelita Grijalva, Jennifer McClellan, and Johnny Olszewski.
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