Softly call the muster... let comrade answer 'here'
*I tried to post this earlier but the text disappeared. This is my 2nd attempt, and will probably not be of the same quality as the original.*
On April 21st each year, on the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, Aggies gather together wherever they are to commemorate fellow Aggies who died throughout the year. The tradition was begun 21 April 1903.
I don't spend a whole lot of time reflecting on my time at Texas A&M. It is a lifetime ago, at least. Since I haven't lived in Texas since I graduated, I've fallen away from the traditions of the school, looking on them with mild bemusement. Some of them are cool - the Twelfth Man tradition, for instance. Many others seem to be weird - sometimes bordering on the ridiculous- to an outside observer.
Let's face it... after so many years removed, I AM an outside observer.
However, there is one tradition that I do find to be worth keeping - Aggie Muster. Somber and heartfelt, it eclipses all others in its gravity. The ceremony made shallow-college-student-me reflect on bigger concepts, like mortality and grief. It also helped me recognize the importance of reflecting and remembering ones friends and the experiences that we shared, if only for one day.
At Aggie Muster ceremonies all over the world today, friends and family members will stand for their lost loved ones. During the Roll Call of the Absent, they will respond as their loved one's name is called, representing their presence in spirit. A designated person will light a candle their memory. Taps will be played, and tears will fall. Reflection and memories follow.
For some reason I took a trip to the school's website and checked out the names that will be called at the main campus. I was saddened to see a name there that I recognized. We had been friends, not close and we certainly didn't stay in touch, but we both had gone into the Air Force after graduation. Unlike me, he stayed in for the long haul.
A quick search revealed that he was killed serving the country that he loved. Cause of death: IED. Location: Afghanistan.
I can't be at the main campus ceremony tonight. But I will reflect and remember him just the same.
Softly call the muster...
LTC Mark E Stratton, II, Class of '91
Let comrade answer...
Here
On April 21st each year, on the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, Aggies gather together wherever they are to commemorate fellow Aggies who died throughout the year. The tradition was begun 21 April 1903.
I don't spend a whole lot of time reflecting on my time at Texas A&M. It is a lifetime ago, at least. Since I haven't lived in Texas since I graduated, I've fallen away from the traditions of the school, looking on them with mild bemusement. Some of them are cool - the Twelfth Man tradition, for instance. Many others seem to be weird - sometimes bordering on the ridiculous- to an outside observer.
Let's face it... after so many years removed, I AM an outside observer.
However, there is one tradition that I do find to be worth keeping - Aggie Muster. Somber and heartfelt, it eclipses all others in its gravity. The ceremony made shallow-college-student-me reflect on bigger concepts, like mortality and grief. It also helped me recognize the importance of reflecting and remembering ones friends and the experiences that we shared, if only for one day.
At Aggie Muster ceremonies all over the world today, friends and family members will stand for their lost loved ones. During the Roll Call of the Absent, they will respond as their loved one's name is called, representing their presence in spirit. A designated person will light a candle their memory. Taps will be played, and tears will fall. Reflection and memories follow.
For some reason I took a trip to the school's website and checked out the names that will be called at the main campus. I was saddened to see a name there that I recognized. We had been friends, not close and we certainly didn't stay in touch, but we both had gone into the Air Force after graduation. Unlike me, he stayed in for the long haul.
A quick search revealed that he was killed serving the country that he loved. Cause of death: IED. Location: Afghanistan.
I can't be at the main campus ceremony tonight. But I will reflect and remember him just the same.
Softly call the muster...
LTC Mark E Stratton, II, Class of '91
Let comrade answer...
Here