Texas Aggie
|
|
Texas Aggie is a term encompassing all those who are students or former students (alumni) of Texas A&M University.
About 95% of former students possess an Aggie Ring which has changed little since the late 1800s. The only difference between individual rings is the year listed on top which represents the year of graduation (or the year of intended graduation).
Traditions are a large part of the "Aggie Experience."
One of the most solemn is Aggie Muster, observed each year on April 21 (Texas Independence Day, a.k.a. San Jacinto Day). The first Muster was held on June 26, 1883, when a few "former students" (as A&M graduates are called) passed the day swapping tales of their carefree days on campus. By 1903 the date had moved to April 21. The March 1923 alumni magazine urged, "If there is an A&M man in one-hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas." In 1942 Aggie Muster gained worldwide attention when 25 Aggies led by General George Moore (class of 1908) held Muster in a cave on the island of Corregidor during the Japanese siege of the island fortress.
Today, Aggies worldwide gather on April 21 for a meal and a candlelight ceremony. A "Roll Call for the Absent" is read, with the names of Aggies who have died during the past year called out one by one. For each name a candle is lit, and a friend or family member softly answers, "Here."
External references
Texas Aggie Traditions (http://aggietraditions.tamu.edu/)