 "Photo: File - The Battalion")
An open letter to the Aggie family,
I would like to commend and heartily thank all those who came to Silver Taps on Sept. 4. Your selflessness to attend, especially in less than perfect weather, was truly something special to the families of the 11 Aggies we honored that night.
But we again must perform this amazing act of solidarity on Tuesday; while the Aggie family turn-out for September was amazing, it was not enough. Attendance for Silver Taps is traditionally strong in September because of Fish Camp and the beginning of the academic year. Slowly but surely, the numbers dwindle to mainly the Corps and the few truly dedicated Aggies.
Frankly, this is unacceptable. We are better than that. We owe it to our brothers' and sisters' families to be standing there when we tell them that we cared about them and what they did with their lives.
Silver Taps is a special tradition on this campus, and a unique tribute in the United States and the world. To simply attend is very important to the families, more so than even writing them a moving letter expressing your grief. Actions speak louder than words. When there is no more room on the grass in front of the Academic building and Sully, it is a truly powerful sight to see all those caring Aggies envelop the families in a large, loving embrace.
If you were to be honored at Silver Taps, how many people would you want to attend? How many people would you want gathered there around your parents as they are led into the Academic Plaza and seated in front of Sully? How many people would you want to honor your life and the person you were?
You would want everyone to be there.
I know not everyone can see the ceremony. I know you have to stand uncomfortably close to people you don't know. I know it seems like it takes a long time. And I know that you are extremely busy.
But please, from the depths of my soul, I ask that you carve 30 to 45 minutes out of your busy lives and intentionally sacrifice that time to the families of our fallen Aggies by showing up at the Academic Plaza Tuesday night. The ceremony starts at 10:30 p.m.
In the past, the area between Nagle and Bolton halls and the YMCA building to the Academic building was filled with Aggies who showed up to honor those at Silver Taps, and that was when the University had significantly fewer students. How much more should we now pay our respects with a student body of 46,000 Aggies?
All I ask is simply your presence on Tuesday night. That is all you have to do. That alone is an amazing act of compassion and selflessness.
How many people would you want at Silver Taps for you?
Respectfully and dutifully at your service,
Firing Squad Commander '08 Ross Volunteer Company
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