Jubilant students, faculty and staff gathered on the University of Virginia’s Lawn Monday evening for the 20th anniversary of Lighting of the Lawn, a beloved tradition launched by students to forge unity after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

This year’s theme, “Brighter Than Ever,” was chosen by student organizers who said this year is special because it’s the first in-person Lighting of the Lawn since 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of all large in-person events last year.