Aggie Traditions: Muster

Every April 21, Aggies worldwide gather for Muster. The tradition dates back to 1883. "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....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."

The tradition is largely inspired by an Aggie Muster in 1942. "Twenty-five men, led by General George Moore '08, mustered during the Japanese Siege of the Philippine island of Correigidor. 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."

--- taken liberally from my Teaching Assistant Manual