A group of Buddhist monks walking more than 2,000 miles from Texas to Washington, D.C. passed through Georgia this weekend as part of a months-long Walk for Peace, drawing hundreds of supporters along the route.
The monks entered Georgia on Saturday, traveling through Troup County and spending the night in Hogansville before continuing toward Coweta County and metro Atlanta. Local law enforcement agencies, including the Troup County Sheriff’s Office and the Hogansville Police Department, escorted and assisted the group as they moved through the area.
According to Hogansville police, more than 500 people gathered to greet the monks as they arrived at their campsite, many lining the roads from West Point to Hogansville to show support for their message of peace, kindness, and compassion.
A 120-day journey for peace
The monks began their walk on Oct. 26 in Fort Worth, Texas. When CBS News Atlanta spoke with Venerable Pannakara, he said the group had been walking for more than 60 days and still had nearly two months remaining before reaching Washington, D.C…