WHEN: Monday, April 22 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Campus celebration at Reed Arena
WHO: Texas A&M administrators, students, faculty and staff and former students
Campus Muster, one of the Texas A&M University’s most solemn ceremonies, will be held April 22 instead of the usual date of April 21 because of the observance of Easter Sunday and at a time when traveling to and from campus may be difficult.
It is a time of honoring deceased Aggies since the last Muster.
At Muster on campus and locations around the world, a speaker addresses those gathered and a “Roll Call for the Absent” is conducted. Names of Aggies from that particular community who have passed away during the year will be read, and as each name is called, family members or a friend will answer “Here” to show that Aggie is present in spirit. A candle will be lit after each name.
This year, the names of the 41st President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara will be called to honor their passing. Barbara Bush died April 17 of 2018 and Bush died on Nov. 30. The George H.W. Bush Presidential Center and The Bush School of Government and Public Service are located at Texas A&M. The Bushes were frequent attendees of Muster ceremonies.
Also this year, the Class of 1969 will have its 50-year reunion, and in keeping with tradition, class members are invited back to campus for a Camaraderie BBQ where they will share stories and connect with current students.
One of the most famous Musters occurred in 1946, with World War II won and the Philippines freed from Japanese occupation. More than 100 Aggies who served in the Pacific theatre returned to Corregidor to honor Aggies who died there and at Bataan, and to answer “here” for those who died during the battles.