Aggie Muster

As many of you know, I am really proud to be an Aggie. Of all the sacred Aggie traditions, the most precious to me is Muster.

For those of you who don't know about the tradition, a little history can be found here: Aggie Muster.

When I was at A&M, I was privileged to serve on the Muster committee for two years. It was an incredible experience, and I will always treasure the memories of Muster retreats and all the time spent with those amazing folks.

On Muster day 2010 I spent a little time reflecting on just how much things had changed since Muster day 2005- possibly the most poignant day in my college career. I remember waking up at 4:30 a.m. to be a part of a sunrise devotional before our flag raising ceremony at 5:30. I can still remember Ann reading Habakkuk 1:5 and praying that we would literally be amazed by the Aggie spirit that day. I remember looking across Reed arena as I held a candle that evening- I watched candles being lit and voices were answering here. At that moment, I was so proud to be a part of the Aggie family.

It truly is incredible to be a part of something that is so much bigger than yourself, and I am honored to still be a part of this tradition in our nation's capital.

This year, I was privileged to work with an amazing group of young women *and Regan* to conduct one of the most successful ceremonies the DC Aggies have ever hosted. Over 300 Aggies gathered at the Navy Yard to honor those who we have lost since last April 21. Earlier in the day, we laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns and I was humbled to take part in this ceremony with Congressman Chet Edwards '74 and our speaker Karen Zent '86.


As we called the roll for the absent in DC, I looked around the room at all my wonderful Aggie friends. I thought about my Aggie friends who were doing the same thing all over the world. My friend Kyle, who mustered in Iraq as he serves our country in the U.S. Army. My friend Jenn, who is president of the Oklahoma City A&M Club. My friends Kate and Zach, who were at home with their new baby girl and future Aggie Muster Committee member Caroline. My little brother Will, who took part of the campus ceremony and played a very special role this year.

As Dr. Elsa Murano said, "Muster will be called for the greatest and the least. All of us will one day become a part of the Aggie Spirit. That spirit transcends time, place, and change. That Spirit is more important than any one of us. It is bigger than all of us, and it is that Spirit that forever unites the Aggie family. "

I am proud to be an Aggie every day, but I am most proud to be an Aggie on April 21 of every year.

In Memoriam

We stood a little taller, and a little prouder then
When we heard the call of Muster and the Roll Call just begin.
We stood there all together and wiped away the tears
When our names were called out softly and answered with a “Here!”
... and so we’ve joined together with our brothers of the past
To make our final resting place at Aggieland our last.
We take a toast to our brotherhood wherever they may roam,
For us the trek is over Aggieland we’re coming home.
by Lt. Col. David Harrigan ‘68