WHEREAS, the pursuit of peace is fundamental to the well-being of healthy communities rooted in compassion, mutual respect, and shared responsibility across the Commonwealth of Virginia and the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Walk for Peace unites individuals dedicated to nonviolence and the deepening of human connection across cultural and geographic divides; and

WHEREAS, this spiritual journey began more than 100 days ago, and will span more than 2,300 miles, reaching across Virginia before arriving in our nation’s capital; and

WHEREAS, the venerable Buddhist monks undertaking this journey, accompanied by their faithful companion Aloka, embody patience, humility, and service, offering a powerful testament to the transformative potential of peaceful action and loving-kindness to resolve conflict and promote reconciliation; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia values initiatives that inspire hope and civic action and reaffirm our shared commitment to peace; and

WHEREAS, this journey traverses Virginia at a time when communities across our nation face a variety of challenges and deepening divisions, serving as a powerful reminder that peace is a daily practice that begins within and radiates outward to families, communities, and nations; and

WHEREAS, the Walk for Peace provides an opportunity for people of all faiths, backgrounds, and beliefs to join in a shared aspiration to live with greater compassion, understanding, and goodwill;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail Spanberger, do hereby recognize February 2, 2026, as WALK FOR PEACE DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.