365: 356: Softly Call the Muster [+2 in Comments]

            April 21 is a special day for all Aggies, because April 21 is Aggie Muster. 

What is Aggie Muster?
Muster is a tradition that began in 1883. A statement of objective noted: "In reunion we meet and live over again our college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon drill field and classroom. Let every alumni answer a roll call." Coincidentally, April 21 is also celebrated as Texas Independence Day, which makes it the perfect day to pay homage to all the students and former students who have passed on. During Muster, a living comrade answers "Here" when the "Roll Call for the Absent" is read. Every year, Muster is held in hundred of locations, but the largest ceremony is held on the Texas A&M campus. Muster is one of the greatest traditions of Texas A&M. "Muster is more than a ceremony. It represents a pledge and a responsibility that A&M men and women have handed down from year to year, from generation to generation. It gives us a chance to renew our loyalty and unity, which constitute the basic foundation of our friendship for each other and love and devotion for our school."

As a fourth generation Aggie, I'm sure you can imagine the significance of Aggie Muster. The ceremony includes the reading of the Roll Call for the Absent, which is a reading of all of the current students and former students who are residents of the local community who have passed away during the past year. When a name is read, members of the audience answer "Here." Muster is extremely powerful and moving, and makes me extremely proud to be an Aggie.

Dr. John Aston, Texas A&M Class of 1906 wrote a beautiful poem called "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 pay,
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,

On Corregidor 69 years ago today
A band of gallant Aggies, led by Moore,
Held simple rites which led to us doth all to say:
The spirit shall prevail through cannon roar.

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! 

Be back after Easter!
   

Taken in: United States / Texas / College Station / Spear (show map)

Taken on: April 21, 2011

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Camera: Canon EOS 40D, f/1.8, 1/25 sec, 50mm, ISO 1600 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Canon EOS 40D
Aperture:	f/1.8
Exposure Time:	0.04 sec (1/25)
Focal Length:	50mm
ISO:	1600
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Aperture-priority AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Aperture 3.1.2
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