HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Military Walk ResurrectionMILITARY WALK RESURECTION
It has been at the heart of the campus of the state's
oldest public university for more than a century, but
Saturday, September 11, it was formally brought back
to life in renewed grandeur - Military Walk at Texas A &M
University.
Restoration of the tradition -laden
walkway - which stretches for more
than a quarter -mile and is dear to the
hearts of tens of thousands of Aggies-
was made possible by a $4 million gift
by Dan A. Hughes'51 of Beeville, a Texas
A &M graduate and former member of
the Corps of Cadets.
Perry said. `As a result, Aggies have played essential roles
in our state's development and served with distinction in
our nation's ongoing defense of freedom."
"Today, we are gathered to resurrect an essential
Aggie tradition that connects the student of this and
The 2,000- member Corps of Cadets, led
by the Aggie Band, paraded on Military
Walk Saturday morning as part of the
walkway's formal opening, an occasion
marked by an address by Governor
Rick Perry'72.
The governor, a former member of the
Corps, cited the significance of Military
Walk and joined in thanking Hughes
for his gift to the university.
"Since the first 40 Aggies started school
some 134 years ago, this remarkable
university has emphasized the
development of a student's character
as much as his or her intellect," Gov.
future generations with the long maroon line
that stretches back into the mists of time. For
generations, this path formed a vital artery across
the campus and was well -worn by the tread of
countless senior boots."
Hughes' sentiments regarding the occasion were
captured in the "restoration celebration" program,
in which he said: "As you travel along this walk,
may you follow in the footsteps of those who have
gone before with honor and optimism - and with
the intent to pave the way for future generations of
Aggies who will take their own bold steps, walking
this walk with integrity, dedication to excellence
and commitment to selfless service"
Regent MorrisFoster' 65, COLJakeBetty' 73,I nterimCommandant, GovernorRickPeny '72,Dan ear, When he announced his gift last Hughes,
Hughes 51, R. Bowen Loftin '71, President of Texas A&M, and Chancellor Mike McKinney, Texas g y ' g ,
A&M University System.
6 1 the Guidon TEXAS AGGIE CORPS OF CADETS ASSOCIATION
Corps Commander David Kelm '11 leads the Corps on Military Walk during the reopening ceremony.
who majored in geology at Texas A &M and has had a
long and successful career in the oil and gas business,
said the project "is important to recognize the history of
Texas A &M and the tradition of leadership of the Corps
of Cadets"
He said Saturday he hoped the restored Military Walk
would inspire more future students to join the Corps.
In accepting widespread thanks for having given to the
university -for the Military Walk restoration as well
as for other gifts and forms of support benefitting the
institution - Hughes responded by saying that Texas
A &M "has given me much more"
Texas A &M President R. Bowen Loftin '71 also spoke at
the restoration celebration, along with others, including
the Corps Commander David M. Keim'11, a history major
who calls College Station home.
"Today, thanks to Dan A. Hughes, we are here to celebrate
the grand reopening of Military Walk," Loftin said. "This
has already added significantly to the artistic landscape
of the central part of our campus and reminds us daily of
the importance of our Corps of Cadets as the lifeblood of
this great institution."
Cadet Keim presented Hughes a ceremonial Corps of
Cadets saber as a means of expressing gratitude on behalf
of the entire Corps.
The Military Walk reopening kicked off a "9/11 day of
observance at Texas A &M that was to later include the
honoring of members of the military and first responders
at the Aggie- Louisiana Tech football game at nearby Kyle
Field.
Military Walk, which is approximately 1,500 feet long, is
on the north -south axis of the campus, linking the Sbisa
Dining Hall area to the Rudder /Memorial Student Center
complex in the heart of the campus. It passes between
several campus landmarks, includingthe statelyAcademic
Building and the YMCA, once the center of student life
and which is also being restored and expanded.
The restored Military Walk features a combination of
bricks and limestone pavers with historic markers and
landscaping enhancements along the way. It is now
considered a major campus focal point.
Military Walk evolved from a dirt road in the early 1880s
to a narrow paved street in the early 1900s to a series of
sidewalks laid in the 1970s.
- Information courtesy of the Commandant's Media Relations Office
WWW.CORPSOFCADETS.ORG the Guidon 1 7
Cadets march on the newly renovated Military Walk
Officials open the walkway for the Corps to pass in review.