For those of you that are not Aggies, or those who might not be aware, Muster is one of the most time-honored traditions of Texas A&M. It is a time where Aggies comes together to honor all the Aggies, current and former alike, who have fallen in the past year. It continually falls on April 21st, and for Muster 2018 I had the opportunity to serve as a host to an honored family.

I am a member of the Texas A&M Class of 2019. I chose to follow in the steps of my older sister and attend Texas A&M but never had any idea how much this school, it’s traditions, and the Aggie family would come to mean to me. I attended my first Muster last year with my Fish Camp, and ever since it has been the tradition most dear to my heart.

I had recently lost my both of my grandparents, and while they were not honored as they were not Aggies, I understood what those families sitting in the center of Reed Arena felt like, and how special that moment must have been to them. That understanding and the surreal feeling I had walking out of the Muster ceremony is what led to me to apply to be a Muster host.

Now, I am writing this after an experience I will never forget. I was completely humbled and honored that I got to play even a small role in the Muster experience of one of the honored families. I told this family I was sorry for the loss of the loved one they were in attendance in place of, and that I only wish I could have had the chance to know them, too.

I had hopes that they would leave Reed Arena with the same understanding I came to last year. I had hopes that they would learn that their loved one will always be remembered at Texas A&M University and that while their loved one may have passed on, their family is and always will be a part of the Aggie family. I told them that the spirit of Aggieland is real and that it lives in the heart of every Aggie. Lastly, I told them that my wish for them was that they would feel it that night.

As I was sitting on the floor of Reed Arena during the Roll Call For The Absent, I was confident that there was not another person in attendance that could not feel it. There were so many emotions surrounding me. Some candle holders had smiles on their faces for the celebration of a life they loved. Others had tears streaming down their cheeks as they were still mourning. Mourning a brother or sister, a mom or dad, a grandparent, or maybe a friend. Someone that was once just like you and me.

Aggies muster to call “Here” for those who are no longer able. Aggies muster to celebrate a life. Aggies muster to honor a legacy. Aggies muster to remember the past and to hope for the future. Aggies muster as a reminder of what it means to be a part of the Aggie family.

We do not muster because we are Aggies. We are Aggies because we muster.