Aggie War Hymn Anniversary

MICHAEL K. YOUNG
President

November 5, 2018

Howdy!

It is my great honor and pleasure to write to you today in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Aggie War Hymn, one of Texas A&M's most valued and well-known traditions.

This week you will hear the Albritton bell tower play the song every day at noon.

As you know, the War Hymn is no ordinary song – it is a connecting force, which continues to unite hundreds of thousands of current and former students around the world in the Aggie Spirit.

The song was written in 1918 by Texas A&M student J.V. "Pinky" Wilson, who left the university to enlist in the Marines and fight in World War I. In a bunker in France, Pinky Wilson wrote lyrics, dreaming of his beloved university. He was able to return to school after the Great War, and played the song to the delight of others. Now, exactly 100 years later, the song has made its way far past College Station – it is sung with pride at weddings, alumni events and countless other Aggie gatherings.

We look forward to welcoming members of Pinky Wilson's family on the field at this weekend's game as we pay tribute to him with help from the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.

On behalf of Aggies everywhere, I honor the memory of Pinky Wilson and the legacy he left us all with this most spirited and beloved Aggie song.

Rough Tough! Real Stuff! Texas A&M!

Thanks and Gig 'Em!

Michael K. Young