Monks to Visit Stafford County on Friday, February 6

Stafford County, VA, is pleased to welcome the Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiva on their "Walk for Peace" journey as they pass through the county on the way to Washington, D.C. Stafford County's goal is to provide a safe space for the group to move through the area while respecting their cultural values. The public is asked to help warmly welcome them to Stafford County. A Walk for Peace Gathering will be held at approximately 6:30 pm at the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, Va. Details for attending the gathering and viewing along the route are listed below.

Timeline - February 6, 2026 (All times are approximate.)

• Mid-Morning - The Monks will leave the City of Fredericksburg and cross into Stafford County via the Chatham Bridge.
• The monks will stop for lunch at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg. This stop will not be open for public engagement.
• 1:30 pm - The Monks will continue along US Route 1 North towards the Government Center (Courthouse)
• 6:30 pm - Walk for Peace Gathering at Government Center

Information on Viewing the Monks along the Route

The Monks will enter Stafford via the Chatham Bridge from the City of Fredericksburg around mid-morning. They will proceed on Route 3 East to Chatham Heights Road to Butler Road. From Butler Road, they will proceed to US Route 1. They will continue along Route 1 to Prince William County, stopping at the Government Center.

Viewing Locations

Supporters lining the route are encouraged to congregate in pedestrian-friendly areas, including Chatham Heights and the Courthouse area of Route 1. Supporters are also reminded to avoid blocking any side streets, business entrances and fire and rescue station entrances.

Guidance for Viewing

• Follow all instructions and guidance from law enforcement and event coordinators.
• Out of respect for the Monks, please allow them to initiate any interactions.
• Always maintain a respectful distance.
• Do not walk behind or follow the monks for safety reasons.
• Supporters are asked to quietly line the streets along the route.
• Stay out of roadways and avoid obstructing traffic.

Traffic Impacts

Significant impacts to motor vehicle traffic are expected on Route 1 throughout the day on Friday, including potential lane closures. Motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic and are asked to utilize alternative routes. School dismissal on Friday afternoon may encounter delays, especially at schools located near Route 1. Motorists are asked not to slow or stop vehicles in the roadway in the vicinity of the monk escort, as this creates additional road hazards.

Walk for Peace Gathering

The Walk for Peace Gathering will take place at the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA, at approximately 6:30 pm on Friday, February 6. The Monks will host an outdoor public engagement and peace talk, expected to last 60 to 90 minutes.

Parking

There will be NO PARKING at the Government Center. Visitors are asked to park at the commuter lot located at 1150 Courthouse Road. Shuttle buses will be provided from the commuter lot. Visitors are asked to arrive early at the commuter lot. Can we add a time the shuttle buses will begin?

Viewing Tips

Visitors are asked to dress warmly, as temperatures will be below freezing and there may be snow flurries. Courthouse Road will be closed between Route 1 and Red Oak Drive starting at 3:30 p.m. The outdoor public engagement and talk will take place in front of the Stafford County Government Center, with a viewing area in the parking lot. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs if needed.

Supporting the Monks

At this time, the monks have everything they need for their journey, including food, shoes, supplies and other necessities. They are not accepting material donations. For more information, please DO NOT call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line for information regarding the Walk of Peace. Please visit the links below for more information:

• Stafford County Walk for Peace Page
• Walk for Peace Live Map