What is Aggie Silver Taps?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 17, 2026
Silver Taps is one of the most sacred and significant traditions at A&M. It is one of the final tributes held for any current graduate or undergraduate student who has passed during the year. Silver Taps is held the first Tuesday of the month following a student's death.
How long is Silver Taps at Tamu?
Silver Taps is an approximately 30-minute tradition. The Ross Volunteers – A&M's honor guard – march at a slow cadence, perform the 21 gun salute and play a unique rendition of “Taps” to honor Aggies who passed away in the prior month.
How often is Silver Taps?
Silver Taps was formerly observed as soon as possible after the death of a student. Today, it is held on the first Tuesday of each month from September to April, if necessary. Three Aggies will be honored at February's Silver Taps in College Station: Chance M.
Why do Aggies say here?
At each Muster ceremony around the world, a speaker addresses the crowd before the “Roll Call for the Absent.” Names of those from that area who have died in the past year will be read, and as each name is called, a family member or friend will answer “Here” to show that Aggie is present in spirit.
What day is Aggie Muster?
Muster is how that Spirit is remembered and celebrated, and it will always continue to unite Texas A&M and the Aggie family. A&M may change, but the Spirit never will. April 21 has been a special day for Aggies since the very earliest years of Texas A&M.
40 related questions foundHow can I watch Aggie Muster?
Aggies everywhere can watch on April 21 as The Association's online Muster portal, MusterLive.AggieNetwork.com, livestreams both the Texas A&M campus Muster and the live Worldwide Roll Call for the Absent.
What time does Aggie Muster start?
Hegar '95, Chair of The Association of Former Students; and the Aggie Muster Committee. The Campus Muster Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. CST.
Why are Aggies called former students?
Former Student
This term dates back to the university's early days, when many students would attend school long enough to gain the necessary training and education but would not always graduate. Regardless of the length of time spent on campus, the devotion of these Aggies to Texas A&M remained strong.
Where did Aggies come from?
The term Aggie is a diminutive form of agricultural, which has long been used to refer to students who attend agricultural schools. Upon its founding as a land grant university in 1891, the school, then the Agricultural and Mechanical School for the Colored Race, adopted the nickname.
Why do Aggies do thumbs up?
According to tradition, the thumbs up was invented in the 1930s at the same time as the Gig 'em by an Aggie named Pinky Downs, gigging being either a term for punishing cadets at fish camp or a term for hunting frogs invented while playing TCU.
Where is the official notice for Silver Taps posted?
Notices are posted at the Memorial Student Center, Evans Library, and at the base of the flagpole in front of the Academic Building.
What is Aggies short for?
What is an Aggie? An Aggie is a student at Texas A&M. In the early 1900s, Texas A&M students were referred to as "Farmers." The term Aggie began to be used in the 1920s, and in 1949, when the yearbook changed its name from The Longhorn to Aggieland, Aggie became the official student body nickname.
How many colleges call themselves the Aggies?
In the U.S., at least eight universities still call themselves Aggies. Famous Aggie land-grant schools include UCD, Texas A & M and New Mexico State University.
How many universities are Aggies?
Anyway, today there are at least nine schools named Aggies, the most prominent being Texas A&M, followed by USU and NMSU. Other Aggies: Cal-Davis, Delaware Valley College, Oklahoma Panhandle State, Cameron University, North Carolina A&T — and don't forget the Texas A&M-Galveston Sea Aggies (huh?).
What does caneck mean?
Caneck! Beginning phrase of the Aggie War Hymn. The lyrics are an onomatopoeic representation of the sound a cannon being loaded, or also the sound of a train rolling through town since there is a train track that splits the campus.
Is the Aggie network real?
The Association of Former Students is the official alumni association of Texas A&M University and operates as a 501 (c)(3) organization. The association recognizes over 640,000 people as part of the Aggie Network and oversees 251 clubs worldwide.
What happens at Aggie Muster?
This campus Muster is dedicated to the 50-year reunion class of that year, demonstrating unity among Aggies. During the day, a Camaraderie Barbecue is held at the Academic Plaza around noon to rekindle the spirit of the original Muster celebration. The evening Muster ceremony begins with a keynote speaker.
Are Aggies horses?
The name dates to 1921 when the US Army brought a horse named Gun Rock to UC Davis to supply high-quality stock for cavalry horses; the mustang mascot was selected to honor that cavalry horse. Students at UC Davis are referred to as Aggies in honor of the school's agricultural heritage.
Where did Texas A&M get the name Aggies?
In the early 1900s, Texas A&M students were referred to as "Farmers." The term Aggie began to be used in the 1920s, and in 1949, when the yearbook changed its name from The Longhorn to Aggieland, Aggie became the official student body nickname.
Why do Aggies kiss when they score?
At the conclusion of the yell practice, the stadium lights are extinguished and fans kiss their dates. This is also done as practice, because Aggies are expected to "mug down", or kiss their dates, every time the football team scores on the field.
What do Aggies say at football games?
Aggie Code of Honor – “Aggies do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do.” Aggie Ring – (See Ring.) Aggie Songs — Include “The Spirit of Aggieland,” “The Aggie War Hymn,” “Saw Varsity's Horns,” “The Twelfth Man,” and “Texas, Our Texas.”
Why do Aggies wear rings?
As the most visible sign of the Aggie Network, the Aggie Ring is a unique representation of achievement, as it can only be ordered when an Aggie completes specific academic requirements. The tradition of the Aggie Ring dates back to 1889, when the first Rings featured the letters “AMC” entwined on the crest.
Who qualifies for an Aggie Ring?
To be eligible to order an Aggie Ring as an undergraduate or professional school student, you must have: 90 total completed undergraduate or professional hours. 45 completed institution undergraduate or professional hours.