Muster 2010

Today, April 21, is Muster. It's a day that Aggies all over the world get together, remember their times in Aggieland and their fellow Aggies that have passed on in the past year. In College Station, tens of thousands gather in Reed Arena and perform the Roll Call for the Absent, during which we call the name of every Aggie, current and Old Army, that has died since the last Muster. We light a candle for every name and at the end of the ceremony the Ross Volunteers fire a 21 gun salute.

It's a beautiful ceremony. It embodies the Aggie Spirit and is almost a renewal of Aggie-ness for all Aggies; if ever you doubt why you chose A&M, go to Muster -- it's the night when you remember why you're an Aggie. It certainly reminded me.

This poem is one of many famous Aggie poems. It's called Roll Call for the Absent; we read it at every Muster now.

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 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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