Aggies gathered at the Bonfire Memorial in the early hours of Nov. 18 for a ceremony held in honor of the 12 students who lost their lives when stack fell in 1999.
Student Body President Bobby Brooks, Head Yell Leader Ian Moss and Corps Commander Brad Sauer led the ceremony.
Photo by Cassie Stricker
Cadets listen as “We Remember Them” is read during the early morning of Nov. 18.
Photo by Cassie Stricker
The 12 portals surrounding the Spirit Ring represent the lives of the 12 students who died when stack collapsed.
Photo by Cassie Stricker
Students and community members stand in the center of the Spirit Ring during Roll Call for the Absent.
Photo by Cassie Stricker
Cadets in E-2 stand with their pots on the ground in front of them.
Photo by Cassie Stricker
A group of cadets stood in a circle around center pole with arms around one another after the ceremony ended.
Photo by Cassie Stricker
Many Aggies stayed after the conclusion of the ceremony to take a moment of silence at center pole.
Photo by Cassie Stricker
Bonfire Remembrance
Photo by Cassie Stricker
View of the Bonfire Memorial from the 15th floor of the Oceanography and Meteorology Building.
The entryway to the Bonfire Memorial.
Over an hour before the ceremony was set to begin, Aggies began gathering at the Bonfire Memorial.
The sound of gravel under shoes could be heard as people made their way to the Spirit Ring of Bonfire Memorial.
Each portal of the Spirit Ring is oriented in the direction of the hometowns of the 12 that were lost in the collapse.
Each portal contains a portrait, signature, and written reflection of those who perished.
Members of Traditions Council in each portal lit a candle after the names were read.
One gentleman in attendance played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.
Even after the conclusion of the ceremony, most in attendance remained to further reflect on the tragedy.
After the ceremony, people in attendance took time to read the portal inscriptions, bringing tears to their eyes.
