Muster: a tradition that makes an impact, participants say

By: Melissa Appel

Posted: 4/21/08

Some say it is the greatest tradition at Texas A&M, a tradition that can't be compared to the others. Many say Muster defines the Aggie Spirit.

The history of Muster traces back 172 years to April 21, 1836, when Texan soldiers fought and won their independence from Mexico at San Jacinto. Beginning on June 26, 1883, Aggies gathered to celebrate their days at the University. The day included a time when every former student was to answer the roll call, which is considered the start of "Roll Call for the Absent." In 1889, the date was moved to be in conjunction with San Jacinto Day.

On April 21, 1899, members of the Corps began having track and field events as part of the day's festivities. In 1903, however, the tradition was almost ended when the president of the University, David Houston, tried to cancel the activities. In what was dubbed "The Incident of 1903," the student body marched on the president's home in protest and the tradition was saved.

Muster has evolved slightly through the years and is known as a time to honor Aggies who have died. The most famous Muster ceremony was held in 1942 when Gen. George Moore and 25 Aggies mustered on Corregidor in the Philippines. Today, Muster ceremonies continue to take place around the world, with more than 400 ceremonies scheduled - the largest of which will be in College Station.

The 2008 Muster will honor 147 fallen Aggies. The list includes students, former students who lived near College Station, former students who had family at Texas A&M or in the local area, former students who died while on active military duty and members of the 50-Year Reunion Class of 1958. Around the world, 970 people will be honored on the same night.

"Muster is a unique tradition in that it is one of the few traditions that Aggies continue to actively participate in after they graduate and leave Texas A&M," said Thomas Conner, a senior industrial distribution major and chairman of Muster Committee.

Other committee members and students agree that the tradition is one that spans all parts of an Aggie's life. Amanda Campbell, a senior motor behavior major, has been involved with Muster since her freshman year and is the sub-chairwoman for Roll Call and Families.

"Muster is a tradition that every Aggie will participate in at one point or another in their life," Campbell said. "Whether at a hometown Muster, at the Campus Muster or upon a battlefield, thousands will gather to honor our fallen Aggies and reflect upon his or her time at Texas A&M University."

Muster will be at 7 p.m. Monday in Reed Arena. A&M President Elsa Murano excused students from classes after 5 p.m. to allow for their participation. Muster Committee members said they know the time before finals is busy, but said attending Muster will be worth the time.

"Muster provides everyone the opportunity to step back from their hectic schedule and reconnect with this University," Campbell said.

Many say it is a tradition that must be experienced firsthand to be appreciated. "Muster means something a little different for every Aggie, but for me it's a time to reflect about what is truly important in life," Conner said. "We remember, honor and celebrate the lives of those we lost."

Junior communication major Andrea Abrams has been involved in and touched by Muster in many ways throughout her time at A&M. She has served on the committee since sophomore year and is sub-chairwoman for awareness.

"Muster is the greatest representation of the Aggie Family to me," she said.

"Once someone attends Muster, they are changed forever.Once they experience it for themselves, their whole view of Texas A&M will change."