As families of incoming Texas A&M students, it’s meaningful to learn about Aggie Muster—one of the university’s most honored traditions that embodies the enduring Aggie Spirit.
What Is Aggie Muster?
Aggie Muster is an annual tradition held on April 21, uniting current and former students to honor and celebrate the lives of Aggies who have passed away in the previous year. This solemn occasion features the “Roll Call for the Absent,” where names of the deceased are read aloud, and a friend or family member responds with “Here,” signifying that the Aggie is present in spirit. This practice underscores the deep bonds within the Aggie community.
Historical Significance
From the 1900s onwards, Texas A&M former students began holding off-campus meetings worldwide on April 21. What is now formally called Aggie Muster has its roots in the Pacific theater of World War II. In 1942, Gen. George F. Moore ‘08 had Maj. Tom Dooley ‘35 report the names of 24 Aggies defending the Pacific Island of Corregidor from relentless attacks by the Japanese.
“So, we had a roll call, and a muster is a roll call,” Dooley said. He sent word to one of the news correspondents reporting from the island, and the reporter wired the story back to the States, where some creative reporters quickly embellished it. The story became a source of inspiration for the war-weary United States and solidified the tradition of Muster for years to come.
On April 21, 1946, Aggies returned to the island of Corregidor to celebrate the Aggie Spirit, the victory in the Pacific, and to remember the Aggies who were lost in World War II. The now-iconic Corregidor Muster photo was taken on this day.
How Is Muster Observed Today?
Aggie Muster is commemorated in over 300 locations worldwide, from intimate gatherings to large ceremonies. During the ceremony at Reed Arena, the Roll Call for the Absent is read, candles are lit, and the Aggie Band and Singing Cadets perform. This event exemplifies the unity and enduring spirit of the Aggie family.
How do I get involved in my local Muster?
Local Musters are commemorative events held annually on April 21 by the Texas A&M community to honor and remember former students from that area who have passed away in the preceding year. To find out if a local Muster event is planned in your area, check the listings at tx.ag/Muster, which include contact information for Muster chairs. Alternatively, check with your nearest Texas A&M Club to see if a Muster is planned.
To learn more about Aggie Muster and local ceremonies, visit the Aggie Muster website.
