Aggie Muster    

Muster is a time set aside for Aggies to gather together and to honor Aggies who have died since the Muster ceremony the previous year. It is one of Texas A&M University's most solemn and visible traditions. No matter where Aggies are, no matter in what state or foreign country, whether they are as few as two or as many as the thousands who gather on the Texas A&M campuses, they come together each April for Muster.

Over 300 Musters are held around the world each year, organized by Aggie volunteers from New York to Singapore: tx.ag/FindAMuster.

Aggies have been gathering together on April 21 (Texas’ San Jacinto Day) since the 1910s. This included get-togethers during World War I by former students stationed in Europe.

Amid World War II in 1942, America’s attention was drawn to this Aggie tradition when headlines highlighted an April 21 roll call of Texas Aggies fighting on the Pacific island of Corregidor.

The next year, The Association of Former Students named the gatherings “Muster” and sent out information packets to Aggies worldwide, who held more than 500 Musters in 1943.

Today, most Musters except the very largest include time for a meal and socializing. Many Musters feature a keynote speaker. And nearly all culminate with a candle ceremony and the Roll Call for the Absent, in which those attending answer “Here” as the names of local Aggies we have lost are read aloud — marking them present in our hearts.

"Muster is the most solemn and sacred of all Aggie traditions, but it is a time of joy and happy remembrance. Those who have gone before us are those whose lives have touched ours. May we do the same for those who come after us. May we expect no less of ourselves."
-Dr. E. Dean Gage '65

Each year Texas A&M University at Galveston holds Muster in the Aggie Special Events Center on April 21st.

Texas A&M University Muster Site