Spanberger marks 100th day of Walk for Peace for visiting Buddhist monks with first proclamation

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) marked the 100th day of the Walk for Peace monks' journey through Central Virginia by proclaiming Monday as Walk for Peace Day.

On Monday, Feb. 2, Spanberger welcomed two dozen Buddhist monks and their rescue dog, Aloka, to Richmond after they trekked through Dinwiddie County, Petersburg, Chesterfield County -- and now the city of Richmond.

(Photo Courtesy of Vicky Worsham)

She thanked Richmond Mayor Danny Avula, the city council and city government leaders for welcoming the monks into the River City's community.

This proclamation marks Spanberger's first proclamation as governor after she was sworn in as the first female governor of Virginia on Saturday, Jan. 17.

The pilgrimage, aimed to promote unity, national healing and compassion, has taken the group through six other states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.

As of the time of reporting, the pilgrimage is set to conclude in Washington, D.C. by Wednesday, Feb. 11.