Softly call the Muster, let comrade answer Here

Life gives us memories and as memories are made, traditions are born. I love traditions and one of the best comes from Texas A&M University. 

The annual Muster at Texas A&M is a tradition that unites all Aggies, both the present and the past. It is Texas A&M’s most solemn and cherished tradition.  It’s the “Aggie Muster” and it was started in 1883. 

“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,” urged the March 1923, Texas Aggie.  Muster is celebrated on San Jacinto Day, April 21, throughout the world in over four hundred locations. Every Muster ceremony is the same. 

Texas Aggies pay their respects to all those who are absent because of death since the last Muster. The names of the honored dead are called from the Muster Roll and a friend of the deceased answers, “HERE,” symbolizing that their memory lives on in the hearts of Aggies everywhere.

Battle of San Jacinto and Texas A&M University’s Aggie Muster. (As related from Texas A&M Aggie Traditions.)

The Garrison at Goliad and the Alamo had both suffered defeats when Sam Houston on April 21, 1836 led his army of some 900 men, many who were new arrivals from the United States, in a battle that would prove to be the deciding battle that would allow the Republic of Texas to become an independent country. This battle, that only lasted 18 minutes, resulted in the Mexicans being thoroughly routed, and hundreds were taken prisoner, a resounding defeat for General Antonio López de Santa Anna’s Mexican army. 

The Battle of San Jacinto, was fought along the San Jacinto River, in an area that would see the rise of the city of Houston which was destined to become the largest city in present day Texas. Muster traces its roots back to “San Jacinto Day,” a Texas holiday that celebrates the state’s defeat of the Mexican Army in the battle of San Jacinto. As a part of the celebration in the 1890s, the Corps of Cadets was invited to play the Mexican Army in the reenactment of the Battle for Texas Independence. The State Guard played the Texans. However, since Aggies cannot stand to lose, the Aggies “rewrote history” and continually won the battles. 

In 1897, the Cadets were no longer invited to participate in the reenactment, but in 1899, the Cadets then decided to continue the celebrations on campus and held a San Jacinto Field Day on April 21. Aggie Musters have been held during war time from the trenches of Europe, Asian battlefields, and the Middle East. The most famous was in 1942 on Corregidor in the Philippines led by General George .Moore, Class of 1908. They observed Muster while under heavy enemy fire.

The first time that a campus Muster was held was in 1924 and the main Muster is held on campus each year on April 21st, San Jacinto Day. It starts with a sunrise flag raising ceremony with the 50-year reunion class enjoying festivities throughout the day, culminating with the Campus Muster at end of day.

The Falls County A&M Club will observe the 2022 Muster at The Chicken Place in Marlin, Texas on Thursday, April 21st. District 56 Texas Representative Charles (Doc) Anderson’81 will be the featured speaker. Aggies and friends of Aggies are invited to join us as we gather for food and fellowship and to say “So Long” to friends no longer with us.

Softly Call The 

Muster

 

It’s Muster Day throughout the world,

as Aggies gather strong.

To salute the flag as it’s unfurled,

and to comrade… say, “So long!”

 

Our hearts were sad as darkness fell,

Aggie souls have journeyed on.

We gather quietly to bid farewell

to these fine friends we have known.

 

In reverence, Aggies come tonight,

to honor a special friend.

Good memories, that brings delight,

and helps our heart to mend.

 

We live over again, our college days,

both victory and defeat.

And to the Good Lord, give our praise

for friendships so complete.

 

A school whose start was long ago,

with hist’ry proud and true.

All Ags stand tall throughout the show,

Aggie Spirit through and through.

 

And so, as memories revive,

tho troubled we may be.

Our Aggie Spirit is alive,

and we hold to that decree.

 

Then we softly call the Muster, 

comrade will answer, “HERE!”

We cherish that friendship’s luster

and quietly blink a tear.

 

The candles flicker with their light,

the bugle sounds its song.

We send a prayer upon its flight.

Good friend… we say, “So long!”

©  Ol’ Jim Cathey  April 21 

 

…Softly call the Muster…

God bless each of you, God Bless Texas A&M, and God Bless America!

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553