2:42 a.m.

10 years ago at 2:42 a.m. 12 Aggies lost their lives in the Bonfire Tragedy.

I wasn't enrolled at A&M at that time, I wasn't truly an Aggie yet, but I remember the moment I heard the news. It was my senior year. I hadn't decided on a college yet; mom and I were still visiting schools. I was to go visit A&M the week after Thanksgiving. I remember hearing the news while I was getting ready for the day. I had a good friend at A&M and I immediately called him to make sure he was ok.

I went to visit the campus with mom two weeks following. I remember seeing the stack. Yellow tape surrounded the area. People on campus were somber, but the 'howdy' welcome still came from their mouths. I remember leaving knowing that was where I wanted to spend the next four years.

I don't think the impact of Bonfire truly hit me until I was a freshman. I didn't realize how important, how deep the tradition was in the Aggie culture. I still don't know if I can fully realize the impact because I never participated in a true Bonfire. However, they were Aggies and Aggies are we.

So on this day I'm remembering the 12 Fallen Aggies and their families.....

Some may boast of prowess bold
Of the school they think so grand
But there's a spirit can ne'er be told
It's the Spirit of Aggieland.