Softly call the Muster

Last night, Forrest and I attended the yearly Aggie Muster here in San Antonio at Aggie Park. Aggies all over the world were also paying their respects for loved ones who have passed away over the past year. We went in honor of a family friend that passed away in February. I felt honored to answer 'here' for him as his name was called and light a candle.

Once you leave the land of traditions, howdies, and humpin' it -- it gives you goose bumps to be back in a room filled with aggies. I was, admittedly, a 2%er, but that doesn't mean I don't love a howdy or two. I love the traditions A&M holds true.

The tradition of Muster began on June 26, 1883. Students gathered to live over again their college days, victories and defeats won and lost on the drill field and in the classroom. Over time, this tradition changed, celebrating different things that had happened over the year. "If there is an A&M man (woman) 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."

Roll Call for the Absent

In many lands and climes this April Day

Proud sons of Texas A&M unite.

Our loyalty to country, school, we pray,

And seal our pact with bond of common might.

We live again those happy days of yore

On campus, field, in classroom, dorm, at drill.

Fond memory brings a sigh -- but nothing more;

Now we are men and life's a greater thrill,

Before we part and go upon our way,

We pause to honor those we knew so well;

The old familiar faces we miss so much today

Left cherished recollections that time cannot dispel.

Softly call the Muster,

Let comrade answer, "Here!"

Their spirits hover 'round us

As if to bring us cheer!

Mark them present in our hearts.

We'll meet some other day

There is no death, but life eterne

For old friends such as they!