Drawn by a message of peace and a sense that the moment was something rare, several Clarendon County residents traveled to Columbia on Saturday, Jan. 10, to observe, walk alongside or volunteer in support of Buddhist monks making a 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Texas to Washington, D.C.
The monks, who began their journey in late 2025, passed through the capital city as part of a months-long walk promoting peace, compassion and unity. Their arrival drew large crowds to the Statehouse grounds and surrounding streets, including residents from Clarendon County who said they felt compelled to witness the journey firsthand.
Terri Jo Gregory, director of John’s Place, said she decided to go after following the monks’ journey online…