Issue date: 4/21/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Wade Barker [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Wade Barker [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Wade Barker [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: File - The Battalion [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Wade Barker [Click to enlarge]

Reed Arena illuminates with the gentle glow of flickering candles. The Ross Volunteers march in crisp, white uniforms that prevail over the darkness. From the silence comes a time-honored Texas A&M tradition, a soft response to the call of the names of departed Aggies from the previous year.

"Here."

More than 100 Aggies will be honored at the "Roll Call for the Absent" in Reed Arena on Monday and almost 1,000 others will be honored at hometown Muster ceremonies worldwide.

"I think in college, we go so fast-paced all the time," said Andrea Abrams, a junior communication major and awareness sub-chairwoman for Muster Committee. "It's a couple hours to sit back and reflect on how grateful we are to have a University that cares so much about us to individually call our names."

Thomas Conner, senior industrial distribution major and chairman of Muster Committee, said Muster is a momentous event for any Aggie.

"Muster is a day to celebrate those lives and get back together with other Aggies and remember why it's important to be an Aggie," he said.

Muster dates back to the 1800s when Aggies came together annually to reminisce. The annual gathering soon grew to coincide with Texas Independence on San Jacinto Day, April 21. Campus Muster, as it is known today, was formed by E. E. McQuillen, class of 1920, who served as the executive secretary of The Association of Former Students and the first campus Muster speaker.

"At a school that's rooted in tradition and high values, respect is one of the greatest values that A&M upholds," Abrams said. "I think Muster is what makes the Aggie family so strong. The fact that I'm going to answer 'here' for someone who went to my school

60 years ago says a lot."

Abrams said Muster is a way for the sometimes overwhelming campus to embrace every student.

"You're not just a number at this huge University. You're an Aggie. You're part of this family," she said. "It's one of the most powerful traditions. It affects every single person that walks across campus at Texas A&M."

Operated by 29 students, Muster preparation takes almost a year to organize. Because of the size of Muster and the limited hands behind the scenes, Conner said that every committee member is essential to the success of Muster.

"Each individual has his or her job," he said. "If he or she did not do her job, then campus Muster would not happen."

Hoping for a packed arena Monday night, Abrams said she is eager to take part in her favorite A&M tradition.

"April is always such a special time," she said. "You see things starting to come together. You see the campus getting excited. You hear your friends talking. I'm excited to see the campus get involved and for not just the 29 of us to be excited all year around."

Abrams said that Muster emphasizes both Aggie spirit and core values.

"I love football games. I love the spirit there," she said. "But the focus is on the football and the players and not the family side of A&M, which is important to this school."

With the lighting of candles marking the remembrance of fallen Aggies, Abrams said there is hope for some resolution.

"I was just in awe of the healing that it does," she said. "A lot of families don't know what Muster is. I think so many families experience a great amount of closure when all of these students come out and honor their kid."

Conner said he hopes those who have never been to Muster will attend. He said he remembers his first time sitting in a darkened Reed Arena as especially moving.

"I'm a little jealous of their first experience," he said. "It was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was the first time I felt connected to the Texas A&M family. The first time is special. I encourage everyone to go and soak it all in."

Abrams said that Muster is a timeless tradition at Aggieland that "softly calls" to every Aggie.

"It's the only tradition where everyone plays a part," she said. "Not everyone has to attend Silver Taps or go out for Big Event, but every single person that goes through A&M will someday have their name called at a Muster."

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