From the back page of today's program: "If there is an A&M man in one hundred miles of you, you are expected to get together, eat a little, sup a little and live over the days you spent at the A&M College of Texas." - "The Texas Aggie," April 15, 1923.
Each April 21, Aggies gather in more than 300 places around the world to remember their days at A&M. The most famous "musters" not held on the A&M campus occurred on Corregidor during fierce fighting in 1942, which was possibly limited to a roll call of Aggies who had passed away in the past year, and in 1946, when over 130 Aggies gathered at the mouth of Malinta Tunnel.
Aggie Muster, Corregidor, April 21, 1946
Following are selected photos taken at today's ceremony. The monument was placed on Topside, right next to the monument that honors the members of the 503rd Parachute Regimental Combat Team who landed on Corregidor on Feb. 16, 1945, and whom we've mentioned on many previous occasions.
Earlier this morning
Bob Epstein, A&M class of '44, about to unveil the monument. Bob was the only man present at the ceremony who had also taken part in the 1946 muster on Corregidor.
Bob presenting the wreath with the assistance of two present-day cadets
The unveiled monument, and the wreath of red and white roses.
Corregidor Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Artemio Matibag gives the welcoming remarks, after Steve had made the opening remarks.
A view from behind the audience, with Topside Parade Ground in the distance
Marty Holmes continues opening remarks and thank yous, with the 503rd Monument and Topside Barracks in the background
Bob Epstein (cap) with his son Ross, and main speaker John Adams, Jr. '73
John presents the muster speech
Fourteen candles were lit, one for each man named in the "roll call for the absent"
Bob reflects on the '46 Muster
Bob and cadets placing the A&M seal
Marty leads the group singing, "The Spirit of Aggieland"
All Aggies sing along
Marty expressing thanks to Col. Art and Beth Pernicita for their assistance in making this day possible
Marcia, Art, Marty, and Steve
The Aggies begin to gather for photos
All Aggies present stand before the new monument
The Aggie Seal
The 1942 Muster roster, one of four plaques on the monument
Steve with Ross and Bob
As we were walking away we noticed these cadets posing with the Texas flag
For more information about the famous musters here in 1942 and 1946, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muster_%28Texas_A%26M_University%29 and scroll down to the section called "World War II."
Texas A&M is a very proud institution. If you would like to see the 300-member Texas A&M band playing the "Aggie War Hymn" at a football halftime show, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur09wez6pMo
Steve and Marcia on the Rock
Ahhh, ok. I took the day tour on Sat Mar 28th and was wondering what was under construction next to the Rock Force Monument. Looks like this was it. -@manilaraf
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