| Topic: Muster | ||
| Submitted by Linda Tieken, ’06 Aggie Mom | ||
| I attended the Muster at the Texas A&M campus last night and I wanted to write down some of my thoughts about my experience. I had wanted to attend Muster, but just didn’t get around to it until my son’s senior year. I thought I pretty much knew what to expect and technically, that was true. However, it turned out to be a much more complex experience than I had imagined.It began as expected, Aggies, family members, etc. filing in and filling Reed arena. The Singing Cadets, other choral groups from A&M, the Corps, members of the class of ’56 returning for their 50th reunion. Families seated on the floor of Reed arena come to honor and grieve for a lost son, daughter, father, mother or maybe friend. We began with songs – all the standards for an Aggie gathering. There were welcomes, speakers and a wonderful reminiscence of the Class of ’56. Then we got to the heart of the evening – the Roll Call.
Two student members of the Muster committee stood and slowly and reverently called the name and class year of each Aggie who had passed away since the last Muster. The lights were turned off except for those on the speakers and people holding candles lined the floor of Reed arena. As the first name was called, the first candle was lit and in succession, the other candles illuminated with the calling of the names. They began with the class of ’09 freshmen. It was striking to hear the voices of perhaps a mom and dad answering here for their beloved child. Too many names from all of the current classes. They went on – year after year. Each name answered with at least one voice responding here. The names were called from the class of ’56 and the voices of those gathered for their 50th reunion all answered in unison for each of their classmates called. So many voices, men in their seventies, come to honor and answer for those no longer here. The names continued to be called and finally a gentleman from the class of 30 was the final former student. Several voices responded for him – here. That man would have been around 96 years old when he died. So many thoughts came to me. Too many students passed away. I believe one of them hadn’t actually begun classes at A&M – had only been accepted, but still considered a member of the Aggie family – called and remembered. A former student who had graduated 76 years ago was honored. It didn’t matter how long you’d been gone from campus or how old you were. This Aggie family would never forget you. You and your family would be honored on this Muster Day. The final thought I had as I sat crying next to my own Aggie son is that, one day, hopefully many, many years from now, his name would be called at Muster. It was a jolt and yet oddly comforting to know that, no matter when, no matter where, he would not be forgotten. He really does have this other family who will always welcome him home. I’m so glad I went. I think I finally get it. Linda Tieken |
