Silver Taps Honors Jett Creighton    

On the night of Sept. 6, Silver Taps was held in remembrance of senior Texas A&M University--Galveston student and Marine Engineering Technology major Jett Thomas Creighton, who passed away on June 30, 2023. The ceremony was held before the Bracewell Clock Tower at the heart of the campus and officially began at the traditional 10 p.m., when all lights in and around the middle of campus began to be extinguished.

Silver Taps is regarded among the most revered and sacred traditions of Texas A&M University. It is only held following the death of an Aggie that was enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at the time of their passing. Previously, the passing was observed as soon as possible after the enrolled student’s departure, but today it is held on the first Tuesday of the month following the Aggie’s death, from September to April.

On the morning preceding Silver Taps, flags are traditionally flown at half-mast. At night, lights on campus begin to be extinguished at 10 p.m., as flashlight holders take their places, switching on their lights as campus is given over to shadow come 10:15 and family, friends, and fellow Aggies come together in mourning and remembrance. The enduring tradition and the profundity of the Silver Taps ceremony and legacy was doubtlessly present at the Sept. 5 Silver Taps held in honor of Jett Ceighton.

As the ceremony commenced, the rows of flashlight holders assumed their positions on either side of the walk which led up to the Clock Tower, and a steady current of Aggies made its way to the center of campus between them. Students, swiftly marching cadet companies, and loved ones encircled the heart of the campus, solemnly gathered together in silence to grieve and remember their departed Aggie.

The light of the Clock Tower went out last, and, in accordance with the traditions of Silver Taps, a three volley salute was fired. The Silver Taps honoring Jett Creighton concluded with a special rendition of the Silver Taps theme played by the Sea Aggie band. This version of Silver Taps is not officially written but said to be passed down from bugler to bugler specifically for nights on which Silver Taps ceremonies are held, and is played facing north, west, and south—never facing east, symbolizing the sun has set on an Aggies soul and will not rise again.

On Sept. 13, the Creighton family sent their warm thanks through an AGGNEWS email to the university acknowledging all involved faculty, staff, corps cadets, and students for their help and respect and the Department of Marine Engineering Technology for their teaching. The family extended their thanks to all the Aggies who attended as they continue to try to heal from their loss.