Reflecting on Muster

The 2010 Aggie Muster was an evening of whoops, laughter, stories, memories, tears and solemn silence.

Before a beyond-capacity crowd in Reed Arena, University President R. Bowen Loftin invited attendees to reflect on the lives of fallen Aggies, and to appreciate the spirit that permeates Aggieland.

"We are here tonight to participate in the most cherished of our Aggie traditions: Aggie Muster," Loftin said. "In this ceremony all of us will certainly experience sadness and grief, but we will also experience what no other family can experience: the comfort of knowing we share common values and common experiences. And we will share the most precious of the gifts that Texas A&M has given us, the Aggie Spirit."

The class of 1960 gathered for the event as part of their 50th class reunion. In a tribute to those from the assembled class, Bailey Delp, Muster Committee member and junior communication major, said these Aggies were coming home.

"The class of 1960 joins us here at A&M today to muster here together with both old and new Aggies. They come from all over the country to eat, laugh and remember their days here at Texas A&M," Delp said. "To the class of 1960, we welcome you home."

The keynote speaker, class of 1992 Maj. Stephen G. Ruth, addressed the crowd in accordance with tradition, reliving memories from days gone by at A&M. But Ruth began the evening by addressing the families of the fallen.

"I want to extend a special welcome to the honored families and friends of our fallen comrades," Ruth said. "Please know that tonight you are surrounded by the Aggie Spirit, and the love and support of the extended Aggie Family."

Ruth used his address to speak of duty, responsibility and the common values that "make Aggies so special." He said Muster is more than an event to experience, but a call to greater service, beyond self.

"Some call our values ‘old fashioned' in a culture that places a premium on satisfying self," Ruth said. "The greatest blessings in life are shared with others. They are an offering of selflessness poured out on the altar of sacrifice. If you want true rewards, give your life in service to others. If you want true self-satisfaction, deny yourself and take up the cause of people in need around you. As Aggies we are called to serve, called to serve greater causes than self."

Ruth began the Roll Call for the Absent with the names of three former students. Staff Sgt. Christopher Staats, class of 2001, Lt. Col. Mark Stratton, class of 1991, and Lt. Gen. James Hollingsworth, class of 1940, were honored for their sacrifice in defense of their country.

Shortly thereafter, the names of 170 Aggies were read, with family and friends responding, "Here," in the place of loved ones.

Among those holding candles was eight-year-old Jace Fountain, who answered "here" for his father Michael Lynn Fountain, class of 2010.

"If I were to explain it, I would burst out like a water hose," Fountain said while fighting back tears. "It was breathtaking."