Muster to honor fallen Aggies from all walks of life

Cadets explain importance of tradition, recognition regardless of military service

By: Katie O'Connor

Posted: 4/21/08

Muster is on April 21 each year on the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. Aggies gather together, wherever they are, to commemorate fellow Aggies who have died during the year.

For cadets, Aggie Muster has a deeper meaning than just the "campusology," or campus knowledge, they are required to know. They said Muster is not about the Corps of Cadets. Rather, it is about uniting a campus to pay respects to those who have passed.

"It's one of the best things any school does for its students. It's great to know that we will honor everyone that passes through the gates to A&M when their times come, whether now or years down the line," said Steven Butcher, a freshman aerospace engineering major from B-Battery.

As someone whose family has deep roots in Texas A&M, Trey Felder, a sophomore accounting major from Squadron 3, said he feels a special connection to the tradition.

"To me, Muster is the tradition that ties all the other traditions together. Many universities can boast about their school spirit, but a tradition like Muster goes above and beyond the typical school spirit and gives Aggies a truly unique identity," Felder said.

"Muster is special to me because it's been a part of my life for such a long time. My dad would take the entire family out to Muster observances no matter where the Air Force had him stationed at the time, so I came to have an early appreciation for the deep meaning that Muster holds for Aggies."

Felder said his father will be a Muster Speaker in Gainesville, Texas, and as an Aggie, he shares his father's excitement.

"It goes beyond the passion at Yell Practice or sawing Varsity's horns off - it's something that allows Aggies to reflect on the individuals that helped make A&M such an outstanding institution."

He said as the keepers of the Aggie Spirit and guardians of tradition, the Corps plays a vital role in the observance of Muster.

"I think the fact that every Aggie gets full military recognition regardless of whether they were affiliated with the Corps speaks to the power of Aggie Muster," Felder said. "It transcends the trivial barriers between organizations on campus and even between red-ass Aggies and two percenters. The Corps' role in Muster is not to bring attention to itself, but help unite the campus as a whole."

"Muster, to me, is the most important Aggie tradition," said Jessica Adams, a junior communication major from Company P-2. "It sets this University apart from any other one. It is such a reassurance to know that one day my name will be called and someone will answer here for me. It is a testament to the strength of the Aggie family. Every Aggie's name will be called regardless of their age, race, religion or anything. For that Muster, that Aggie will be remembered."

Adams explained that as keepers of the Spirit, she feels it is the Corps' duty to guard Aggie traditions, especially ones that are as important as Muster. She said it is necessary to get the word out and continue to raise awareness of Muster.

"If we, not only the Corps but the rest of the University as well, are not careful, it will be similar to the situation we have with the tradition of 'Howdy,'?" she said. "Muster is such an awesome way to share the Aggie Spirit, and it's awesome to know that one day my name will be called when they softly call the Muster."

Mary Diamond, a senior human resource and development major and Squadron 3's commanding officer, and Andrew Yates, a senior civil engineering major and Corps chaplain, provided some words to help shed light on how the Corps perceives Muster.

"It is almost impossible to say in words what Muster means to Aggies, and especially to the members of the Corps," Diamond said. "This tradition is one that we hold dear to our hearts, knowing that it is something that is unique to A&M."

She explained that no other University honors their students and faculty in this way.

"Muster seals in our hearts that we're more to each other than just students and faculty - we are a close-knit family," she said. "A family who prides itself in instilling high morals, character and tradition into lives of service to each other, to this University and to our nation."

As a member of the Corps, Diamond said she believes that it is the Corps' solemn duty to uphold and continue the tradition of Muster not only on April 21 of each year, but in their daily actions and attitudes toward each other as members of the Aggie family.

"It is an honor that we do not take lightly and will continue to set us apart for years to come," Diamond said.

"To me, Muster is a way for Aggies that have experienced loss in the past year to share that with their Aggie family," Yates said.

He said it provides the means for Aggies to support their fellows who either were or are going through difficult times: "At its very core, the ceremony of Muster is a tradition rich with reverence and respect.

"As I see it, the Corps' role for Muster is to carry on the tradition of love for one's fellow man as any Aggie, Corps or non-reg, would be expected to."