July 26, 2026
VIROQUA, Wis. – The Sri Chinmoy Oneness Home Peace Run made a momentous stop in Viroqua on Monday, July 20 bringing an international message of harmony to City Hall and Eckhart Park.
The Peace Run is a global torch relay founded in 1987 by visionary Sri Chinmoy. The event gives citizens around the globe a dynamic way to express their hopes and dreams for a more harmonious world. The international team of runners came to Viroqua as part of a four month journey through all 50 states to honor the 250th anniversary of America. The team covered 74 miles on July 20, running along Highway 14 from La Crosse to Richland Center, passing the peace torch along the way to spread the message that peace begins with the individual.
The Viroqua event began at City Hall where a group of residents warmly greeted the runners. The crowd then joined the team in a run to Eckhart Park. At the park, participants wrote personal messages of peace and hope on pieces of paper. These messages will soon be buried in the soil under the new Eckhart Park playground, which the community plans to build in September.
Mayor Krista Browne welcomed the participants and explained that the timing of the run perfectly matched the current spirit of the city as they prepare for a new community build. She noted that the event was an invitation to unite and build the future the town deserves.
“I love that love that you came here,” said Browne. “And that it’s aligning with where we’re at as a community because we are coming together and we’re adding up each step every day to build and integrate what we want and what we can do and what we know we deserve.”
Browne added that the small everyday efforts of citizens add up to create a tangible feeling of hope and unity.
“Each thing we do is drop in the bucket of the wide world of water,” said Browne. “And each step that you take down Highway 14 got you from across Viroqua to Richland Center, and we’re all part of this together.”
Salil Wilson, an organizer for the run, shared his profound gratitude for the kindness of the American people since the team began their journey in New York City on April 16. He stressed that the run serves as a prayer through action, especially as the nation celebrates a significant milestone.
“Peace starts in the hearts and minds of the individual,” said Wilson. “On your 250th year, we just feel that it’s such a significant time to remember America’s place in the world and how the world needs America to be at its best. And in many ways, this is a prayer through action.”
Wilson also reflected on the historical significance of the torch and how it carries the aspirations of everyone who has previously held it. He said the torch has passed through the hands of thousands including Pope Francis, Nelson Mandella and Ringo Starr.
“And now it is in the hands of Mayor Browne and the people of Viroqua,” said Wilson.
Browne said the world sometimes gets a tainted view of what Americans are like and his experience has been that they are constantly greeted with generosity and kindness and compassion.
“One year, I was lighting this torch in New York, and in that moment, I somehow felt all the people that had ever held this torch, and all their aspirations, all their love, all their hopes and dreams for a more peaceful world,” said Wilson.
Drawing a connection to the local playground project, Wilson honored the hard work of the community and urged everyone to continue the legacy of those who came before them.
“It’s all the people whose blood, sweat, and tears went into making this playground got us to this point,” said Wilson. “And now it’s our role to continue.”
Closing his remarks, Wilson recounted a story about meeting a woman in New Mexico who reminded him that people are uniquely equipped to handle the difficulties of the present era.
“We were born for these times,” said Wilson. “So challenging as it may seem, it’s our job to rise to the occasion and offer what we have inside our hearts.”
Add comment