Memorial Student Center - A Living Memorial

A stop on Texas A&M Campus Walk, a free self-guided tour.

The MSC is the university's living room, with lounges, a bookstore, galleries and food. It is also a memorial. It was dedicated on Muster Day, April 21, 1951, to Aggies who gave their lives in war and to those who would in the future. That is why visitors remove their hats when they enter and stay off the surrounding lawns.

Inside the Honor entrance, the Aggies Lost in Service memorial lists names since World War II, and the Hall of Honor remembers eight Aggies who received the Medal of Honor. The building closed for renovation in 2009 and reopened on Muster Day in 2012.

Muster itself is the university's most solemn gathering. Every April 21, Aggies meet on campus and around the world to call the roll of those who died during the past year. As each name is read, a friend or family member answers here and lights a candle. Nearby, 70 trees surround Simpson Drill Field, one for each Aggie who died in World War I.

Walk the sidewalks here, never the grass.

Getting here: Walk a minute or two northwest from the statue to the Memorial Student Center, keeping to the sidewalks.

Did you know?: On April 21, 1942, Aggies trapped on the island of Corregidor in the Philippines held their own Muster under enemy fire. News of it spread across the country and helped make Muster a worldwide tradition.

Photo op: From the sidewalk, frame the MSC entrance with its unbroken lawn in the foreground.

More on Wikipedia: Muster · Medal of Honor · Campus of Texas A&M University

Memorial Student Center - A Living Memorial

Stops on this tour