Texas A&M Campus Muster April 21st at 7:00 PM, REED ARENA

Aggie Muster is one of Texas A&M's most cherished traditions. Held each year on April 21st, it's a day where we come together to honor the lives of Aggies who have passed and reunite with the 50th-year class. With ceremonies held in over 300 locations worldwide, the largest takes place on campus in Reed Arena. During the Roll Call, the names of fallen Aggies are readand someone answers "Here" for each, symbolizing that they are never forgotten.

We want to hear from y'all!

What has been the most meaningful or impactful moment you've experienced during Aggie Muster?

Share your story in the comments - whether it's a memory from campus, a local Muster, the 50th reunion, or a moment that made you feel the power of the Aggie Spirit!

In 1976 I lived in Richland, Washington (Tri-Cities) and was asked to Chair the Annual Muster Program. I made all the arrangements including the banquet facility, catering, etc. I also requested recent campus photos from the Former Students Association, and they sent me two carousels of slides (that was current technology in 1976 !).

On the night of Muster, my wife and I were at the door to meet and greet our fellow Aggies. One of the first few couples to arrive was an Aggie in a wheel chair, being pushed by his wife up to the door. Both the Aggie and his wife were easily in their 70's, and as we greeted them with a "Howdy" at the door, the man (I'll call him Vic, but my memory may not be correct) took a device and held it to his throat and said "Howdy". He called it his "flashlight" since that was what it looked like, and it was the first time I had seen such a device, which I now know to be an electro-larynx.

After everyone arrived, we enjoyed a nice dinner, then I gave them the slide show of campus pictures. Very few of the Aggies attending had been back to campus recently, so they all enjoyed the pictures, and I saw Vic get a little teary-eyed during the presentation. So, time came for the Muster roll call, and Vic once again used his "flashlight" to answer "here" for the Aggie he represented….. that's when I got a teary-eyed as well.

At the Muster I Chaired I was 25, and Vic was in his 70's (could have been early 80's), so I guess in today's vernacular Vic was an "old" and I was a "young". Now, at 74, I guess I'm an "old".

Some fellow Ags say the "olds" don't do the yells at games, don't make much noise, don't sing the War Hymn, don't saw varsity's horns off, etc. That's likely true for many of us "olds", though thankfully I'm still able to do most of those things. Of course Vic couldn't have done those things when I met him. But what he could do, he did. That was to have fellowship with his fellow Aggies (of all ages), and to use his "flashlight" to answer "here" for an Aggie (regardless of age) that passed on before him. Vic also served his country in the military and was a member of the Corps.

We may not know what our fellow Aggies have gone through in their lives, regardless of their age, but we can show them the respect and comradery due a fellow Aggie. Muster is a perfect time to do that. And, if you're a "young", next time you see an "old" on campus or at the game, give him a "Howdy" ! You could even strike up a conversation with him, and perhaps learn something about Aggies and Aggieland that you did not know. We "olds" appreciate a "Howdy", and the opportunity to talk with fellow Aggies (regardless of age).

I'll be thankful when I'm remembered some day at a Muster, and as each year passes that thought becomes more dear to me.....Thanks for listening. God Bless, and Gig 'Em !

Nuke