A&M Traditions: Reveille VIII to be Buried With Honors today at Kyle Field

The traditions that make Texas A&M University unique will be on display today as Reveille VIII, the 'First Lady of Aggieland' for nearly a decade, will be laid to rest near her seven predecessors in the Zone Plaza at Kyle Field, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.

Reveille VIII actually died in May, but her send off was set for the same day as A&M opens its 2018 football season against Northwestern State.

University spokeswoman Leslie Henton says the Corps of Cadets will lead the ceremony, which is expected to be attended by thousands.

"You would be surprised at how many individuals it takes, but considering that she is the First Lady of Aggieland, she certainly deserves all the hard work and effort that has been put into this event by so many people," she told News Radio 1200 WOAI.

"Our university mascot is one of the most beloved and unifying traditions at Texas A&M. I encourage Aggies and Texas A&M supporters to join in honoring Reveille VIII for her service to our institution,” Texas A&M University President Michael K. Young said.

Reveille VIII died at the age of 12 in a companion animal care center at the A&M School of Veterinary Medicine.  Reveille IX, her successor, will be on hand for today's funeral.

At a university known for its traditions, the tradition of Reveille the Rough Collie is perhaps the most unique of all.

According to Aggie lore, the first Reveille was a dog that students in the Corps of Cadets accidentally hit with their car while returning to campus back in 1931.  She was taken to a student's dorm to recover, but when the bugler sounded 'Reveille' to wake up the cadets at what was then an all-male military school, the dog started barking loudly, hence the name she and her successors have carried.

'Miss Rev' as she is referred to by the Corps, is by tradition the highest ranking member of the Corps of Cadets, wearing five silver diamonds in her collar. If Reveille falls asleep on a cadet's bed, the cadet has to find someplace else to sleep, and if the cadet takes Rev to class and she barks, the professor is supposed to end the class.

Reveille VIII will be burned overlooking the scoreboard at Kyle Field so, according to tradition, she and her seven predecessors can watch as the Aggies 'run up the score' on their opponents.

PHOTO: TEXAS A&M OFFICE OF NEWS AND MARKETING.  USED BY PERMISSION


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