Texas Aggie

Texas Aggie is a term encompassing all those who are students or former students (alumni) of Texas A&M University.

Related Topics:
Alumni - Texas A&M University

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About 95% of former students possess an Aggie Ring which has changed little since the late 1800s. One of the greatest moments in the life of any Aggie is the day that they receive their Aggie Ring. This moment began with the Class of 1889. The original ring is very different from the ring worn today. The ring worn by all Aggie graduates is the same except for the class year (or the year of intended graduation). This serves as a common link for former students. When an Aggie sees the ring on another Aggie's hand, a spontaneous reunion occurs.

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Traditions are a large part of the "Aggie Experience."

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The traditions include the Aggie Ring, described above, but also "Gig 'em", "Howdy!", Aggie Muster, Silver Taps, Reveille, 12th Man, Bonfire, Replant, Yell Leaders, Midnight Yell Practice, Maroon Out, Senior Boots, Boot Line, Fightin' Texas Aggie Band, Ross Volunteers, Fish Drill Team, and Elephant Walk.

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Like many schools, Texas A&M has a single phrase that unites them all by merely saying it, or, rather, yelling it. That phrase is Gig 'em. This phrase, coupled with the Aggie hand sign, the Thumbs Up, began before the A&M - TCU game in 1930, when Pinky Downs asked what the Aggies were going to do the TCU Horned Frogs on the footbal field. He answered his own question with the, now famous hand sign and yelling GIG 'EM. That began a tradition that spread to other Southwest Conference schools.

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Another phrase, or rather abbreviated phrase, is not restricted to Aggies. Aggies say Howdy to persons they meet as they make their way across campus. For those who are unfamiliar with the meaning, it is How are you doing today, sir (or madam)". This is such an ingrained habit that Aggies are known for taking it to their hometowns and boardrooms around the world. So if you hear someone say HOWDY!, say Howdy back.

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One of the most solemn is Aggie Muster, observed each year on April 21 (Texas Independence Day, a.k.a. San Jacinto Day). The first Muster was held on June 26, 1883, when a few "former students" (as A&M graduates are called) passed the day swapping tales of their carefree days on campus. By 1903 the date had moved to April 21. The March 1923 alumni magazine 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." In 1942 Aggie Muster gained worldwide attention when 25 Aggies led by General George Moore (class of 1908) held Muster in a cave on the island of Corregidor during the Japanese siege of the island fortress.

Related Topics:
April 21 - San Jacinto - General George Moore - Corregidor

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Today, Aggies worldwide gather on April 21 for a meal and a candlelight ceremony. A "Roll Call for the Absent" is read, with the names of Aggies who have died during the past year called out one by one. For each name a candle is lit, and a friend or family member softly answers, "Here."

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Another solemn event is Silver Taps, which is a brief gathering after dark on the first Tuesday of the month when an Aggie has passed away. Aggies silently walk from all over campus, while hymns play from Albritton Tower, and gather in front of the Academic Building. Then the Ross Volunteers in their white dress uniforms fire a 21-gun salute and members of the Aggie Band play Silver Taps. All students then return to their dorms in silence and darkness.

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More will be added about Aggie spirit and traditions later.

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