You’ll Tear Up At Arizona’s Heartwarming Memorial Tradition

Traditions are commonplace at Universities across the United States. Young adults across the country find a home at their schools, and weird and wacky traditions become a right of passage for these budding adults.

Arizona State hosts one of the most unique, and it's made a change to honor heroes across the state.

What is The ASU Lantern Walk?

Starting in 1917, the Lantern Walk has become a mainstay for Arizona State's homecoming festivities. Many other schools hold congregations or parties to celebrate homecoming, but the Sun Devil's is one of a kind.

Each year, the night before the Homecoming football game (this year against the 14th ranked BYU Cougars), students meet at the base of "A" Mountain at around 5:30pm as a DJ set plays them in. At 6, they light paper lanterns and ascend the mountain, before the Homecoming Royalty is crowned at the apex. Once they've reached the top, Sparky, the Sun Devil mascot, raises his pitchfork and lights up the giant letter "A".

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Honoring Our Veterans

While this tradition mainly existed to give students a fun thing to do before gameday, and strike fear in the hearts of their opponents, one organization saw merit from it. That would be the Pat Tillman Center. This is an organization that works with military-adjacent students in and outside the classroom.

In 2024, the center began the first edition of the "new" lantern walk, this time to raise awareness for mental health in the military. They've stated they want to "light a path" for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, a massive problem facing military veterans.

The first edition took place on October 19th, 2024, and will continue on for years to come, shining a light in the darkness for those who need it most.

[Sun Devil Sync][Arizona State University][Gators Online via YouTube][12News via YouTube]