Muster (Texas A&M University)
[1] On June 26, 1883, alumni of Texas A&M University gathered together to "live over again their college days, the victories and defeats won and lost upon the drill field and in the classroom.
[4] Beginning April 21, 1903, the tradition of Aggie Muster merged with the Texas Independence celebration, featuring athletic events and banquets to honor alumni.
In 1923, the student radio station WTAW broadcast a statewide program for over two dozen Aggie groups who had gathered at points across Texas.
It is for us, therefore, to do so for them -- to answer for them in clear and firm voice -- Dead on the battleswept Corregidor where their eternal spirit will never die but will march on forever, inspiring in those who follow the courage and the will to preserve well that for which they bled.
Of them and those of their fellow alumni who lie in hallowed soil of other lands and those who survive them, may it truly be said that in the noble teachings of their Alma Mater -- in the tradition of the great American leader, Sam Houston, who this day, one hundred and ten years ago, wrested Texas from foreign dominion by defeating Santa Ana on the historic battlefield of San Jacinto - they stood steadfast, unyielding and unafraid through those dark days of our country's gravest peril - and by inspiring example helped point the way.
The most well-known Aggie Muster took place during World War II in 1942 on the Philippine island of Corregidor at the entrance to Manila Bay.
Despite the fierce fighting as the Japanese laid siege to the island, on April 21, 1942, Moore held a roll call—known as muster in army terms—calling the names of each of the Aggies under his command.
[4] Dooley told a United Press correspondent about the gathering, and the reporter sent an article back to the USA about the 25 Aggies who had "Mustered".
[7] Association of Former Students Executive Secretary E. E. McQuillen, Class of 1920, is credited with refocusing San Jacinto Day as a remembrance for fallen Aggies.
"[4] In April 1945, just eight weeks after the United States recaptured Corregidor, three Aggies conducted a Muster "on the Rock" and wrote letters home to McQuillen detailing the events.
To represent the 900 alumni who died in World War II, the names of the four deceased WWII Aggie Medal of Honor recipients were called.
[9][10] Randy Matson, the keynote speaker at the 2000 campus Muster, vowed, "we're here (tonight) to pledge that none of you will be forgotten as long as there are two Aggies left in the world.
"[11] The largest Muster each year, with over 12,000 in attendance, is held in Reed Arena on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station.
[11] During the day, a Camaraderie Barbecue is held at the Academic Plaza around noon to rekindle the spirit of the original Muster celebration.
[12][13] Following the Roll Call, the Ross Volunteers perform a three-volley salute, and buglers play "Silver Taps", a version of the US military's melody of farewell.
