Silver Taps - An Aggie Tradition Honoring Fallen Aggies

The sky grows dark as the sun slowly gives up its place in the heavens to the glowing moon. Softly, solemnly, and quietly thousands of students, faculty, family, and friends of the fallen walk with sadness in their hearts to the Sul Ross statue. The sky is darkened now. The air grows still. Not a sound is heard. Not a whisper. Slowly, but persistently the tap of shoes are vaguely heard in the distance. In perfect rhythm the taps of the shoes grow louder as the corps detail Ross Volunteers slowly march to the front of the statue. The taps of their shoes slow as they get into formation. Their white uniforms glow in the moonlight as they present arms. The command is given, the rifles raise, seven guns report. In perfect sync, they reload, the command is given, the rifles raise, seven guns report. They reload, the command is given, the rifles raise, seven guns report. They lower their rifles and stand at attention.

Gently, but resoundingly taps are played once to the north, once to the south, and once to the west. When the last chord is played, when the last tear is shed, the crowd quietly leaves. As the crowd walks away, the resounding taps of the shoes of the Ross Volunteers once more are heard. They echo across the campus as the detail leaves then slowly fades away leaving a distinct and solemn silence.