What to do in College Station? The brochure suggested a visit to the Sam Houston Sanders Corp of Cadets Center – sounded interesting. The Corp of Cadets Corp has been a sense of pride for Texas A&M University, and we have long admired Texas A&M and their traditions. A look see was in order.
Inside the center are displays that depict the Corp of Cadets from its beginnings in 1876 to the present. I did not know that the Corps was that old. Texas A&M was the first public institution of higher education in Texas. Live and learn.
Various uniforms of the Corp throughout history were on display.
I especially enjoyed the exhibits about the Aggie Band. Ever since my marching days at Texas Technological College, I have had great admiration for the Aggie Band. They are a precision marching band, and well respected.
Reveille – the first lady of Aggieland is the A&M mascot. She was afforded a special place of honor in the Corps of Cadets Center.
Everything on the Aggie rings represent a value that an Aggie should hold.
There were also exhibits concerning the 12th Man, Silver Taps, Parsons Mounted Cavalry, the Ross Volunteers, Bonfire, and Cadet Life. I can not believe that I did not get a picture of the case that told about Aggie Muster. What a wonderful tradition. The following is from the Aggie Traditions website:
It was not until 1922, however, that April 21 became the official day of events for all Aggies, thus, the annual tradition of Muster was born. The March 1923 Texas Aggie 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.
Still remembering and honoring the time spent in Aggieland, the tradition of mustering has grown in strength, meaning, and spirit. By 1929, meeting had grown worldwide, and in 1942 Aggie Muster gained international recognition. Twenty-five men, led by General George Moore ’08, mustered during the Japanese Siege of the Philippine island of Corregidor. Knowing that Muster might soon be called for them, these Aggies embodied the essence of commitment, dedication, and friendship- the Aggie Spirit. They risked their lives to honor their beliefs and values. That small group of Aggies on an outpost during World War II inspired what has developed into one of our greatest traditions.
As you may now know, I am not too impressed with guns and weapons, but the Metzger – Sanders Antique Firearm Collection that is in the Corp of Cadet Center is unbelievable – very impressive.
A powder tester – I never knew such a thing existed. Isn’t it cute.
A Duck Foot Flintlock Multi-Shot Pistol – Sweet Mother of Pearl! Have you ever seen such a thing?
If you appreciate antique firearms, I would think this collection would be worth a trip to Aggieland.
Corps Values – It was these values that made President George Bush want to establish his library on the Texas A&M campus. Very commendable!
Blessings to you and yours,
Aggies, please forgive me if any of this is incorrect. I so respect this university and their traditions.