89R25396 HMR-D
By: Wilson H.R. No. 898
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Students and alumni of Texas A&M University are
taking part in one of the university's most cherished traditions,
Aggie Muster, on April 21, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Muster traces its origins to San Jacinto Day, which
commemorates the defeat of the Mexican Army by the Republic of Texas
at the Battle of San Jacinto; the first Muster took place on
June 26, 1883, when a group of former Texas A&M students gathered
together to reminisce about their days in college; and
WHEREAS, During the first half of the 20th century, the
tradition of Muster evolved to include a memoriam for those who were
absent; during both World War I and World War II, Aggies met and
forged bonds at army posts across the United States and in the
trenches in Europe; during the most famous Aggie Muster that took
place on the small island of Corregidor in the Philippines in 1942,
Major General George Moore led a group of recently commissioned
Aggies in holding a yell practice, singing the War Hymn, and
honoring the memory of Aggies who had died; and
WHEREAS, The first campus Muster was organized in 1924, and
it has since grown into an all-day affair that includes a ceremonial
barbecue with members of the 50-year reunion class and a special
memorial service at Reed Arena; at every Muster, a speaker
addresses the crowd present before the "Roll Call for the Absent,"
during which the names of those from that area who have died in the
past year are read; as each name is called, a family member or
friend responds with "Here" to express that the deceased individual
is present in spirit, and a candle is subsequently lit in his or her
memory; and
WHEREAS, Muster is a time of both solemnity and celebration
for members of the worldwide Aggie community, who unite with one
another in solidarity and remembrance of those they have lost, and
participants in this year's Muster are helping to perpetuate a
tradition that is inextricably tied to the history and culture of
their alma mater; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate Aggie Muster on April 21, 2025, and
extend to all those taking part in this year's Muster sincere best
wishes for a meaningful and memorable event.