Spring Break
Muster: a tradition that makes an impact, participants say
By: Melissa Appel
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: News
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.
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.
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