Issue date: 11/18/02 Section: Front Page

When Richard West attended a father-son Bonfire cut event with his son Scott, West said he was impressed by the camaraderie and bonding of the Aggie family. Weeks later, Scott was one of the 12 Aggies killed in the Nov. 18, 1999 Aggie Bonfire collapse.

Three years after the accident, West says it is that Aggie camaraderie that helps his family through the grieving process.

"There's always a bit of sadness this time of year, but this (remembrance) service helps you get through it, and reminds you you're part of this big Aggie family," West said.

West joined the families of nine other Bonfire victims at a low-key memorial ceremony Sunday evening at the Polo Fields to mark the third anniversary of the Bonfire collapse.

"When you lose a child like that, you want to know their life had meaning," West said. "In talking to his Corps buddies, we've realized what an impact (Scott) had on people's lives."

The Corps of Cadets and hundreds of students and on-lookers watched in silence as friends and family of the Bonfire victims walked in a procession from the Williams Administration Building to the Polo Fields. The Bonfire families laid a wreath for each of the 12 Aggies who died, and then "Amazing Grace" was played on the bagpipes.

A&M President Dr. Robert M. Gates said the short, solemn ceremony was an appropriate way to mark the anniversary of the collapse. Some Bonfire families criticized the University last year for not scheduling any remembrance ceremony. Gates, who took office in August, said there was consensus among campus leaders and Bonfire families that the anniversary should never again go unmarked.

"We want an observance every year, and to make it a permanent part of the University's life," Gates said.

Student Body President Zac Coventry said the remembrance ceremony was intended to bring all Aggies together, including students who had never seen or worked on Bonfire.

"Even younger students who were not here when it happened have a sense of what Bonfire meant," said Coventry, a senior agricultural development major.

The wreaths were arranged in a large circle, and the Ross Volunteers, an honor guard outfit within the Corps, were posted on the perimeter.

Before walking to the Polo Fields, the Bonfire families and friends attended a small reception in the rotunda of the administration building.

West said he is grateful to the Aggie community for keeping his son's memory alive.

"My wife and I often think about other parents who've lost kids and don't have this wonderful network of support to help get them through. We've been really fortunate," West said.

Few talked about the uncertain future of Bonfire, although it remains one of the University's most controversial issues. After seeing firsthand the bonding and unifying effect among those who worked on Bonfire, West said he would like to see the tradition return to campus if it can be built safely.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools