Memorial Day: Aggies Remember

May 21, 2015

Howdy, Ags!

From 1918 through the mid-1940s, a service flag recognizing almost 2,000 Aggies who served and 55 who gave their lives in World War I hung in Guion Hall and the Academic Building. This flag memorialized the selfless service of Aggies in what was thought to be the war to end all wars. In the next almost 100 years, however, the number of Aggies to make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation would swell to 1,100 as Aggies served in conflicts around the globe.

Our nation will pause Monday, May 25, to remember these men and women as part of the 1.3 million Americans who have given the last full measure of devotion in wars and conflicts dating back to the Revolutionary War. It fills me with great pride to know that Texas A&M and Texas Aggies fully recognize the significance of this day and honor it appropriately.

In North Texas, eight A&M Clubs will join with Gratitude Initiative, an Aggie-led organization that provides service and support to military children, and Carry the Load to remind others of the true meaning of Memorial Day during a 20-hour memorial march. I encourage you, also, to join with these Aggies and with the Board of Directors and staff of The Association of Former Students in finding your own way to honor the sacrifice of our fellow Aggies and Americans. Whether you do this by proudly flying the stars and stripes, visiting memorials or gravesites, or observing a moment of silence or prayer, you will boldly demonstrate our core value of respect as you do.

Respect and remembrance are obligations Aggies take seriously. Across our campus are memorials that remind us of the sacrifice of the Aggies who walked our campus before us and cause us to pause with grateful hearts for their supreme sacrifice. We take great pride in the military legacy of our alma mater and the willingness to serve displayed by Aggies dating back to the Spanish-American War, and this weekend we remember especially those who did not return home.

With Gratitude, 

Porter S. Garner III '79
President and CEO
The Association of Former Students