On November 18th, 1999, the annual Aggie Bonfire collapsed. Being the 15th anniversary, I feel it is important for us to remember the day and week in which Texas A&M and Texas came together to honor the victims. Here is a video of the UT Band playing Amazing Grace at halftime. <iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4rLj3vw5fwI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> I also would like to reflect on the rivalry and hope y'all can share some stories as well. Although I am currently at UT, I have many relatives who went to Texas A&M. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, my cousins (Aggie fans/alums) would come over, and my family (UT fans/alums) and their family would watch the game together. After the game, we would play a game of football ourselves, Aggies vs. Longhorns. While the rivalry might be over now, I personally hope UT and A&M can make amends and play each other again.
I remember the horror when I got the word. I can believe it has been that long ago. Seems like yesterday.
While UT and A&M may have the fiercest of rivalries on the field, we still have utmost respect for the contributions of the rival school. It is moments like this, putting aside the rivalry and coming together after such a terrible tragedy, that convince me that UT and A&M should still play each other.
Horns, Aggie bands recall the day music trumped rivalry, tragedy http://www.statesman.com/news/sports/college/horns-aggie-bands-recall-the-day-music-trumped-r-1/nRhLn/
Sad day... RIP to all the victims and God bless their families. Did A&M continue this tradition after '99?
Officially, the last school sponsored Bonfire was in 1998. Unofficially, there has been smaller off campus Bonfire's since. But its just not the same. I love and miss the rivalry. Aggies and Longhorns are neighbors and Texans first. Rivals 2nd. The way it should be.
The University should bring Bonfire back...with supervision and blueprints from the College of Engineering. It can be done safely.
