Spring Break
Muster to honor fallen Aggies from all walks of life
Cadets explain importance of tradition, recognition regardless of military service
By: Katie O'Connor
Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: News
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."
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."
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