Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Roll Call For the Absent

Aggie Muster is traditionally held on April 21st of every year. We call roll of those members of the aggie family that have left this world during the year and entered sleep eternal. As each of the names is read, the living answer here, and a candle is lit in their honor. Its the most beautiful tradition of all at Texas A&M. The main gathering is at the A&M campus, but Musters are held around the world. While I may often joke that we are crazy, I'm proud of the bond that connects us as Aggies.

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


...here...

1 comment:

  1. This gave me goosebumps..just as if I was sitting in Reed Arena with you several years ago at Muster. I was never an Aggie, but will always be an Aggie at heart through my friends and family members!

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