In Memoriam- 11-18-99

Eleven years ago today, at 2:42 am, the Texas Aggie Bonfire collapsed, killing twelve Aggies and injuring many more. As long as we bleed maroon, we will never forget.

The Bonfire Twelve: 
Miranda Adams '12; Chris Breen '96 (my friend.); Michael Ebanks '03; Jeremy Frampton '99; Jamie Hand '03; Christopher Heard '03; Tim Kerlee '03; Lucas Kimmell '03; Bryan McClain '02; Chad Powell '03; Jerry Self '01; Nathan West '02.

"The Last Corps Trip"

It was Judgment Day in Aggieland

And tenseness filled the air;

All knew there was a trip at hand,

But not a soul knew where.


Assembled on the drill field

Was the world-renowned Twelfth Man,

The entire fighting Aggie team

And the famous Aggie Band.


And out in front with Royal Guard

The reviewing party stood;

St. Peter and his angel staff

Were choosing bad from good.


First he surveyed the Aggie team

And in terms of an angel swore,

"By Jove, I do believe I've seen

This gallant group before.


I've seen them play since way back when,

And they've always had the grit;

I've seen 'em lose and I've seen 'em win

But I've never seen 'em quit.


No need for us to tarry here

Deciding upon their fates;

Tis plain as the halo on my head

That they've opened Heaven's gates."


And when the Twelfth Man heard this,

They let out a mighty yell

That echoed clear to Heaven

And shook the gates of Hell.


"And what group is this upon the side,"

St. Peter asked his aide,

"That swelled as if to burst with pride

When we our judgment made?"


"Why, sir, that's the Cadet Corps

That's known both far and wide

For backing up their fighting team

Whether they won lost or tied."


"Well, then," said St. Peter,

"It's very plain to me

That within the realms of Heaven

They should spend eternity.


And have the Texas Aggie Band

At once commence to play

For their fates too we must decide

Upon this crucial day."


And the drum major so hearing

Slowly raised his hand

And said, "Boys, let's play The Spirit

For the last time in Aggieland."


And the band poured forth the anthem,

In notes both bright and clear

And ten thousand Aggie voices

Sang the song they hold so dear.


And when the band had finished,

St. Peter wiped his eyes

And said, "It's not so hard to see

They're meant for Paradise."


And the colonel of the Cadet Corps said

As he stiffly took his stand,

"It's just another Corps Trip, boys,

We'll march in behind the band."

By P.H. DuVal Jr. '51




Remembering Bonfire