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Calling The Roll Call for the Absent
If you need a name added to Roll Call, please notify us of the passing of a former student.
The Roll Call, the most important part of the ceremony, is representative of the
true meaning of Aggie Muster. We suggest you read the poem "Roll Call for the Absent"
prior to the Roll Call and read "In Memoriam" after. Both are provided in the "Poems
& Songs" section. Names of those former students from your area, as well as any
other special requests, should be called.
"In this ceremony we honor the memories of fellow A&M men and women whose death
prevents their answering Roll Call at this annual Muster. The Roll is a symbolic
Roll Call of all students and former students whom death has taken from our ranks,
but whose memory lives on in our hearts. As each name is called, a comrade will
answer: Here!"
Candlelight Service
Purchase one tall, white candle for the head table and a small candle for each deceased
Aggie to be honored. One small candle holder will be needed for each candle.
As you begin the "Roll Call for the Absent," lower lights and light the tall candle.
One person may be assigned to represent each deceased Aggie. As each name is called,
the candle- holder comes forward and lights the small candle from the large candle,
then places it on the table and steps aside. The people lighting the individual
candles should remain standing at the front of the room until the reading of the
list is completed.
Another approach is to have one person lighting all the small candles from the tall
candle as each name is called.
Giving the small candles to the family and friends of the deceased after the ceremony
adds a special touch.
Candlelight service developed by Jack Fritts '53, Past President of The Association of Former Students.
