Falls County Aggie Muster planned for April 21 in Marlin
Aggie Muster is a solemn tradition at Texas A&M University, one that celebrates the camaraderie of the university and at the same time remembers those alumni who have died, during the past year. Muster ceremonies today take place in approximately 320 locations globally, with the main Muster held on the campus of Texas A&M in College Station, Texas.
The Falls County A&M Club invites you and your family to join us for the 2024 Falls County Aggie Muster. Former students of Texas A&M University will assemble in Falls County on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at The Chicken Place, for the Annual Falls County Texas Aggie Muster in honor of all Texas Aggies that have passed away during the last year. Muster is open to all former students and their families, current students, parents of students, and friends of Texas A&M.
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.” The same year, the Ex-Cadets Association established the “Roll Call for the Absent”. The event grew into a loosely organized annual tradition, but did not have a permanent date set aside until several decades later, in 1889, Texas A&M administrators declared that April 21 (which in Texas is known as San Jacinto Day, the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto whereby Texas gained its independence from Mexico) would be an official school holiday
The first official Muster began on April 21, 1903, as a day for remembrance.
The March 1923 Texas Aggie urged, “If there is an A&M man in one-hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas.” The tradition of reading aloud the roll call of the dead began in 1924, with the addition of the tune “Taps” in 1927.
Every Muster ceremony is the same. Texas Aggies pay their respects to all those who are absent because of death since the last Muster. If you have a name that should be submitted, please contact us. The names of the honored dead are called from the Muster Roll. To honor the deceased, a friend will answer, “HERE!,” as a candle is lit.
This is a symbol that their memory lives on in the hearts of Aggies everywhere. Muster is more than a ceremony; it is also a way for Aggies to renew their loyalty and unity which constitutes the foundation of their friendship for each other and love and devotion for Texas A&M.
This year, the Falls County Muster will be held in Marlin at The Chicken Place. Muster will be Sunday, April 21, with a 6 p.m. start as we howdy, shake hands, and visit. The catered meal will begin at 7 p.m., with the Muster ceremony to follow. The cost for the meal will be $20.
For more information or to RSVP contact Jim Cathey’65 at (254) 883-0381 or e-mail onejcat@sbcglobal.net. Make your checks payable to: Falls County A&M Club.