November 18, 1999

This of course is the most solemn day in Aggieland. November 18, 1999 is the date that Bonfire fell. In the 90 years of the tradition, no one could fathom the tragedy it would bring. Every year we stop and remember the 12 lives that were lost in the fall. While I wasn't on campus at the time of the fall, I've heard the stories of most of these victims since and how they lived for Bonfire, how they prided themselves in this University and how dear they held the traditions. Last year marked the opening of the Bonfire Memorial. It is in place so that no one will ever forget what happened on that tragic November morning. A time when the Aggie Spirit could have been crushed, but proved to be stronger than ever. As news of the fall spread, Aggies gathered together. From on-campus and off. Both non-regs and cadets. People of all types came together, working all night to remove the logs from the fall. It was a time when the Aggie family came together like never before. Uniting was the whole theme behind the tradition of Bonfire, but never before had the Aggie Family come together like it did that night. Nationwide, people witnessed what it meant to be an Aggie. It was something that would be hard to forget. And if you're an Aggie, hopefully impossible. Although we're quite removed from the tragedy, there are still signs all around campus. The memorial itself, the uneasiness when anyone brings up the topic, the crowd that gathers to reflect and pray every year at 2:32AM at the site of centerpole. One reminder that I have been exposed to over the past semester sticks out to me. I see the last survivor pulled from Bonfire every once in a while on campus. Due to his surgeries, amputations, and rehibilitation efforts, completing his degree at the school he loves has been pushed back several years and he will now be graduating with the class of 2006. Confined to a wheelchair, he serves as a dynamic reminder of that tragedy. Even now, 3 years after the last class to witness Bonfire has graduated, Bonfire is something that has remained important to this university that I love. The Aggie Spirit that was built by Bonfire is still alive. With or without Bonfire, that Spirit will always burn.

In closing, I will share a couple of poems written by unknown authors. And also the Bonfire Rememberence Video that I review every year. (Right Click and Save As)

There is a rich tradition at the core of Aggieland
The center pole runs deep into the ground on which we stand
Every Aggie on this earth well knows the meaning and the yearn
To stand around this marvel, light the torch, and watch it burn.

The week of Final Push, in the year of '99
A crew of Ag's worked through the night to set the stacks on time
But something happened that November, and the news spread through the land
The Texas Aggie Bonfire had collapsed with all on hand.

At first the shocking tragedy had taken back the crew
But when the Fightin' Aggie Spirit rose, they knew what to do
The 12th man gathered round, not just to hope and pray
But like the final day of cut they hauled the logs away.

Battered, bruised and broken, they took them one by one
Twelve pots lay upon the ground, each a daughter or a son
They weren't in the stands that year to watch the Aggies play
But if they were I bet I know what all of them would say.

"I'm proud to be an Aggie, even more than I did then
And I'm proud of Aggie Bonfire and the spirit held within
So keep this fire burning in your hearts you know so well
And when we play t.u., you've got to beat them all to Hell!"

I know they're looking on us, their souls are filled with pride
Cause even though the Bonfire fell, the spirit never died
And when you gaze into the fire, and your heart begins to swell
Remember those twelve that were there, when Bonfire fell.

SILENT TRIBUTE
A hush has fallen over Aggieland,
Even the Wind has stilled
The rustling leaves of fall,
My Footsteps joined with others
Walking to the place that, a few days ago,
Had heard excited sounds as Aggies toiled
Into the night to raise Bonfire proud and tall.

Now Silence Reigns o'er Aggieland,
As each heart in private mourns
The fallen dreams of the Aggie Family.
I was drawn to this place, as others,
On this sunny and warm Texas fall day,
Tears trickled from my eyes as my footsteps
Grew nearer the site, and the silent hush of grief.

Silently, I saw the flowers and poems
That were tucked into the lattice fencing,
Even children, silent in this special place.
Each one brought there to honor the Aggies lost,
Silent tribute and prayer for the living..
Then the silence was broken, by a student from long ago,
On bagpipes he played the strains of Amazing Grace.

When the last note faded, there were tears in every eye.
We will remember. The Twelfth Man Spirit is alive.

Miranda D.Adams, Santa Fe
Christopher David Breen, Austin
Michael S. Ebanks,Carrollton
Jeremy Richard Frampton, Turlock, Calif.
Jamie Lynn Hand,Henderson
Christopher Lee Heard, Houston
Timothy Doran Kerlee,Bartlett, Tenn.
Lucas John Kimmel, Corpus Christi
Bryan AllanMcClain, San Antonio
Chad Anthony Powell, Keller
Jerry Don Self,Arlington
Nathan Scott West, Bellaire