Buddhist monks from the Leverett Peace Pagoda and some followers walked through cities and towns in Western Massachusetts on August 1 - 9, 2009, coinciding with the 64th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On August 6 (Hiroshima Day) they took their messages to the mayors of West Springfield, Agawam, and Westfield. There was a candlelight vigil that night on the Westfield green. Their local visit was supported by West Springfield Citizens for Peace and Waronoke Peace Action.