Aggie Muster

How Muster Started
The tradition of Aggie Muster is one that clearly demonstrates the nature of Aggie Spirit. Established in 1883 as a track and field day held on June 26, it quickly evolved into a tradition of gathering together to relive the stories of victory and defeat on the game field, drill field, and battle field. In 1903 the celebration date was changed so that Muster could be held on San Jacinto day, April 21, the day that Texas celebrates it's Independence from Mexico.

In 1922 the tradition became official complete with a roll call for former students in which every Aggie is accounted for anywhere in the world. 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 Essence of Aggie Commitment
Aggies cherish each other and hold each other accountable and Aggie Muster is the way we keep in touch, it is the way we remember our roots, are heritage, and each other. In the years since 1922 all Aggies have adhered to the tradition of Muster, sometimes driving thousands of miles to find just one other Aggie in accordance with tradition. Aggies have met in submarines, on planes, boats, and in the trenches of war.

In 1942 Aggie Muster gained international recognition, as a war correspondent recorded the muster of 25 Aggies under the command of General George Moore ?08. They gathered in the trenches of the Philippine island of Corregidor during the Japanese Siege. With enemy artillery shells exploding all around they mustered for the last time for a few days later Corregidor fell to the Japanese. No other tradition so completely embodies the essence of Aggie commitment, dedication, and friendship.

Muster Today
Today, Aggie Muster is held in over 400 locations world wide, and is honored with the respect and presence of all Aggies. Even though some students of Texas A&M will never march with Corps or understand the responsibilities that come with having life long buddies forged in the Corps' uniquely Aggie way, some 15,000 thousand of the current 42,000 students come to understand the importance of Aggie Muster through a beautiful and emotional campus Muster each year.

The campus Muster is the largest gathering of Aggies and was held in the new Reed Arena for the first time in 1998. You can read more about the Campus Muster on the Campus Muster Committee website and locate a muster near you on the Association of Former Students homepage.