February 7, 2026

On a cold and windy afternoon along Route 1, the Town of Dumfries became more than a point along a journey — it became a place of warmth, welcome, and quiet reflection.

For years, Dumfries has encouraged travelers not to simply drive through our town, but to drive to it. On this winter day, however, peace itself chose to walk through Dumfries — reminding us that meaningful journeys often intersect here.

Step by deliberate step, participants in the Walk for Peace traveled past Town Hall before arriving at the Jeff Simpson Community Center, where Dumfries served as both a warming stop and place of rest on their continued journey to Washington, D.C.

Despite the sharp wind and winter air, their discipline never wavered. Their presence offered a powerful reminder that progress is not always loud. More often, it moves forward through perseverance, intention, and an unwavering commitment to something greater than oneself.

As the walkers approached the town limits, I had the privilege of joining them — walking beside them as they entered our community and continuing alongside them as they departed, helping guide the procession safely along Route 1.

It was a quiet but meaningful gesture, reflecting a simple truth: leadership is not always exercised from a podium. Sometimes it is expressed through presence — by walking alongside those whose journey carries a message worthy of recognition.

For a brief stretch of roadway on that winter day, Dumfries did more than witness the Walk for Peace.

We became part of its path.

During the stop, I joined the Town Council in welcoming the walkers and was honored to present a proclamation recognizing the values their pilgrimage represents — compassion, mindfulness, and the daily practice of peace.

Communities are defined not only by what they build, but by the moments they choose to honor.

We were especially privileged to welcome Venerable Ponya Karah, whose words settled quietly over those gathered, yet carried enduring weight.

He thanked the community for giving their time and effort to witness the journey and reminded us that the work of peace does not end with a single walk — nor with a single generation.

“This walk will not end in Washington, D.C.,” he shared.

“Peace will continue beyond our lives, and it is up to each of us to carry it forward. No one else can bring peace but us — we must practice it.”

Peace, he reminded us, is not a destination — but a commitment we must continue together.

In recognition of this extraordinary dedication, Chief of Police Vern Galyean presented Venerable Ponya Karah with a ceremonial police badge, symbolizing protection, service, and the shared pursuit of safe communities.

I was honored to present him with a Town of Dumfries pin, a small emblem of our gratitude and a lasting reminder that his journey is now forever connected to our town’s story.

For a short time, traffic slowed, conversations softened, and the cold air seemed to matter a little less as our community embraced an opportunity to reflect on dignity, mutual respect, and shared humanity.

At a time when the world can often feel hurried and divided, the Walk for Peace offered something steady — presence without urgency, movement without noise, and strength expressed through calm determination.

I am equally proud of our residents, who observed the moment with care and respect.

Great communities understand when to accelerate… and when to pause.

On this winter day, Dumfries paused as peace walked our way — reaffirming a simple but enduring truth:

Peace is practiced — step by deliberate step.

Mayor Derrick R. Wood

Town of Dumfries, Virginia