Posted: 4/21/2010 4:16:40 AM EDT
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The last time I posted this was 4/21/2006  . I just went and found it in the archives. But on the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, Aggies gather wherever they are to call the roll of their fellow students who have passed during the preceding year. During the ceremony, a Roll Call for the Absent is read and a comrade answers “here” for the deceased.
Aggie Muster "Softly call the Muster, let comrade answer 'Here'..." Aggies gathered together on June 26,1883 to live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and in the classroom. By April 21, 1903, this annual gathering evolved into a celebration of Texas' Independence on San Jacinto Day. These early meetings included field games and banquets for Aggies to reflect and celebrate their memories of Aggieland. 'Let every alumni answer a roll call' wrote the former students. It was not until 1922, however, that April 21 became the official day of events for all Aggies, thus, the annual tradition of Muster was born. The March 1923 Texas Aggie urged, 'If there is an A&M man in one-hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas. Still remembering and honoring the time spent in Aggieland, the tradition of mustering has grown in strength, meaning, and spirit. By 1929, meeting had grown worldwide, and in 1942 Aggie Muster gained international recognition. Twenty-five men, led by General George Moore '08, mustered during the Japanese Siege of the Philippine island of Corregidor. Knowing that Muster might soon be called for them, these Aggies embodied the essence of commitment, dedication, and friendship- the Aggie Spirit. They risked their lives to honor their beliefs and values. That small group of Aggies on an outpost during World War II inspired what has developed into one of our greatest traditions. Muster is celebrated in more than four-hundred places world wide, with the largest ceremony on the Texas A&M campus in College Station. The ceremony brings together more Aggies, worldwide, on one occasion than any other event. The students of Texas A&M University coordinate the Campus Muster. Because Muster was established to bring Aggies together, each Campus Muster is dedicated to the fifty-year reunion class. The Campus Muster involves an entire day of activities for students both present and past. Alumni enjoy a special program including tours of the ever-changing campus. At noon, all Aggies congregate at the Academic Plaza for the Camaraderie Barbecue that rekindles the tradition of the original Muster celebration. That night, the Muster ceremony consists of an address by a keynote speaker, the reading of poems, followed by the Roll Call for the Absent. The Roll Call honors Aggies that have fallen since the last Muster roll was read. As the names are read, a friend or family member answers 'Here', and a candle is lit to symbolize that while those Aggies are not present in body, they will forever remain with us in Aggie Spirit. Century-old roots provide the basis of Muster as Aggies know it today. It has changed, yet the Spirit in which it was established remains the same. Since the beginning, every Aggie has lived and become a part of the Aggie Spirit. What is felt today is not just the love of a fellow Aggie, it is the spirit of hundreds of thousands of Aggies who have gone before. Muster is how that Spirit is remembered and will continue to unite Texas A&M and the Aggie family. A&M may change, but the Spirit never will. Gig 'em 96Ag |
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Roll Call for the Absent
In many lands and climes this April day Proud sons of Texas A&M unite. Our loyalty to country, school, we pray, and seal our pact with bond of common might. We live again those happy days of yore on campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill Fond memory brings a sigh –– but nothing more; Now we are men and life’s a greater thrill, On Corregidor sixty eight years ago today A band of gallant Aggies, led by Moore, Held simple rites which led to us doth all to say: The spirit shall prevail through cannon roar. Before we part and go upon our way, We pause to honor those we knew so well; The old familiar faces we miss so much today Left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel. Softly call the Muster, Let comrade answer, “Here!” Their spirits hover ‘round us As if to bring us cheer! Mark them ‘present’ in our hearts. We’ll meet some other day There is no death, but life etern For our old friends such as they! by Dr. John Ashton ‘06 |
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"The Last Corps Trip"
By P.H. DuVal Jr. '51 It was Judgment Day in Aggieland And tenseness filled the air; All knew there was a trip at hand, But not a soul knew where. Assembled on the drill field Was the world-renowned Twelfth Man, The entire fighting Aggie team And the famous Aggie Band. And out in front with Royal Guard The reviewing party stood; St. Peter and his angel staff Were choosing bad from good. First he surveyed the Aggie team And in terms of an angel swore, "By Jove, I do believe I've seen This gallant group before. I've seen them play since way back when, And they've always had the grit; I've seen 'em lose and I've seen 'em win But I've never seen 'em quit. No need for us to tarry here Deciding upon their fates; Tis plain as the halo on my head That they've opened Heaven's gates." And when the Twelfth Man heard this, They let out a mighty yell That echoed clear to Heaven And shook the gates of Hell. "And what group is this upon the side," St. Peter asked his aide, "That swelled as if to burst with pride When we our judgment made?" "Why, sir, that's the Cadet Corps That's known both far and wide For backing up their fighting team Whether they won lost or tied." "Well, then," said St. Peter, "It's very plain to me That within the realms of Heaven They should spend eternity. And have the Texas Aggie Band At once commence to play For their fates too we must decide Upon this crucial day." And the drum major so hearing Slowly raised his hand And said, "Boys, let's play The Spirit For the last time in Aggieland." And the band poured forth the anthem, In notes both bright and clear And ten thousand Aggie voices Sang the song they hold so dear. And when the band had finished, St. Peter wiped his eyes And said, "It's not so hard to see They're meant for Paradise." And the colonel of the Cadet Corps said As he stiffly took his stand, "It's just another Corps Trip, boys, We'll march in behind the band." |