Silver Taps!
By far, one of Texas A&M's most honored traditions is Silver Taps. Silver Taps is held for a graduate or undergraduate student who passes away while enrolled at A&M. This final tribute is held the first Tuesday of the month when a student has passed away the previous month.
The first Silver Taps was held in 1898 and honored Lawrence Sullivan Ross, the former governor of Texas and president of A&M College. Silver Taps is currently held in the Academic Plaza. On the day of Silver Taps, a small card with the deceased students name, class, major, and date of birth is placed as a notice at the base of the academic flagpole, in addition to the memorial located behind the flagpole. Around 10:15 that night, the lights are extinguished and hymns chime from Albritton Tower. Students silently gather at the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross. At 10:30pm, the Ross Volunteer Firing Squad marches into the plaza and fire a twenty-one gun salute. Buglers then play a special rendition of Silver Taps by Colonel Richard Dunn. Taps is played three times from the dome of the Academic Building: once to the north, south, and west. It is not played to the east because the sun will never rise on that Aggie again. After the buglers play, the students silently return to their homes. Silver Taps is a sacred tradition that Aggies hold dear.
By far, one of Texas A&M's most honored traditions is Silver Taps. Silver Taps is held for a graduate or undergraduate student who passes away while enrolled at A&M. This final tribute is held the first Tuesday of the month when a student has passed away the previous month.
The first Silver Taps was held in 1898 and honored Lawrence Sullivan Ross, the former governor of Texas and president of A&M College. Silver Taps is currently held in the Academic Plaza. On the day of Silver Taps, a small card with the deceased students name, class, major, and date of birth is placed as a notice at the base of the academic flagpole, in addition to the memorial located behind the flagpole. Around 10:15 that night, the lights are extinguished and hymns chime from Albritton Tower. Students silently gather at the statue of Lawrence Sullivan Ross. At 10:30pm, the Ross Volunteer Firing Squad marches into the plaza and fire a twenty-one gun salute. Buglers then play a special rendition of Silver Taps by Colonel Richard Dunn. Taps is played three times from the dome of the Academic Building: once to the north, south, and west. It is not played to the east because the sun will never rise on that Aggie again. After the buglers play, the students silently return to their homes. Silver Taps is a sacred tradition that Aggies hold dear.
Mrs. Andrea N Trapp
Owner: http://www.cafemom.com/group/TAMU
Posted by
on Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:30 AM
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New Member
on Oct. 5, 2007 at 11:55 AM
I have never been to a Silver Taps, but according to my Aggie dau, it is very moving and memorable. Last year one of our good friends who taught both at College Station and at TAMUG, died. He was currently teaching science at TAMUG, so it was especially memorable for Christy at the next Silver Taps. Maybe someday I'll get to attend one. I don't know if any other schools have a tradition like this or not. It would be interesting to know.
by
on Jun. 17, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I went every month when I was in school there. I can't describe what an awesome experience it was. If I could get back there for more, I would (but I doubt my kids would stay quiet).
And no, I don't think any other school has this type of tradition. I could be wrong, but I have never heard of it. 
And no, I don't think any other school has this type of tradition. I could be wrong, but I have never heard of it.
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- AntMeanie
on Oct. 5, 2007 at 12:30 AM