Nine years ago today, tragedy came to Aggieland. We lost 12 of our own participating in a tradition we hold so dear. I just wanted to take a moment to remember the 12 we lost and lift a prayer in remembrance of the fallen:
Miranda Adams, Christopher Breen, Michael Ebanks, Jeremy Frampton, Jamie Hand, Christopher Lee Heard, Timothy Doran Kerlee, Jr., Lucas Kimmel, Bryan McClain, Chad Powell, Jerry Self, Nathan Scott West
I remember waking on this day nine years ago to my cell phone ringing. It was Charles asking me where I was. He then proceeded to tell me what had happened early that morning. I immediately jumped up and grabbed my pot (bonfire helmet). I ran to class at Langford to tell my prof I would not be in class that day then ran to the Polo fields. I stopped dead in my tracks and said a prayer, then searched frantically for Mel. When we found each other there were only tears and hugs. I will never forget the experience of it all - sitting at the fields waiting, praying for our family, attending the candle vigil, seeing the entire Bush family pay their respects to our fallen. There truly is spirit within Aggieland, one that will never be told.
Bonfire is a tradition that brought the Aggie faithful together to get ready to take on the Longhorns. I remember my first time I witnessed bonfire and let me tell you it was an awesome sight. You cannot begin to describe seeing a 100 ft structure set ablaze against the pitch black of night. I really miss seeing it burn and I will always carry with me the memories from my bonfires. We will never forget the 12 lost on this day.
