Longhorns and Aggies, once rivals, now united in grieving

The Battalion COLLEGE STATION, Texas (U-WIRE) -- Unwilling to walk away from the place where an unprecedented event had just taken place, Longhorns and Aggies stood together at the Unity Gathering on the University of Texas campus Monday night. They were distinguishable only by an extended Gig 'em thumb or Hook 'em horns. "Tonight we stand unified -- unified in our grief, unified in our love of tradition, unified in our commitment to restore light to a darkened Texas," Milam Newby said. As Newby, president of the student chapter of the Texas Exes Association and a senior UT government major, spoke these words to thousands of students, friends and alumni of Texas A&M; and UT, a new friendship was formed between the two schools who have a deep rivalry. The mourners stood, not as Longhorns or Aggies, but together as Texans to memorialize the fallen Aggies in the November 18 bonfire tragedy, and to celebrate the new relationship between the two schools. Newby said the schools came together Thursday night in mutual respect and understanding. "What began as our desire to join with Texas A&M; in the lighting of one candle has grown into an evening of lighting thousands," he said. "What began as a desire for Longhorns to show love and support for Aggies has grown into an outpouring of love and support from all Texans." Don Evans, chairperson of the University of Texas Board of Regents, said the Aggies are not alone in their sorrow. "The eyes of Texas are upon you and our hearts are with you," Evans said. "God bless the family of Texas A&M; University." UT President Larry Faulkner said during the past five days both universities have realized their common ground. "We have recalled that we are drawn from and serve the same larger community," he said. "We have learned that we are both of the people and for the people of Texas." Texas Lt. Gov. Rick Perry said when the 12 Aggies died last week the Longhorns and Aggies were called to unity. "Those 12 young men and women have left life on earth for life eternally, and we, as one family, as Aggies and Longhorns, are compelled to remember," he said. "This tragic event of four days ago reminds us of the 12th Man. Twelve brave Texans have been taken off the field where they will never set foot again." U.S Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Texas), a UT graduate, said the bond between the two schools was shared last night. "We all shared in the overwhelming grief felt by the Aggie family," she said. "We are all Texans, and Texans stand together in difficult times." Student body President Will Hurd, a senior computer science major, said the bonfire tragedy is one of the darkest times in A&M;'s history, but also has been a proud moment to be an Aggie. "The relationship between Texas A&M; University and the University of Texas is forever changed," he said. As the sound of the A&M; War Hymn finished echoing from the tower's bells, 12 tolls rang once for each of the fallen Aggies. The Longhorns then sang their school song as the bells tolled its tune, followed by "Taps" played by the UT ROTC. As the Longhorns and Aggies passed the flame from candle to candle, the faint humming of Amazing Grace spread through the congregation. It was sung numerous times before the first person departed. While workers disassembled the podium and loudspeaker system, a large number of Longhorns and Aggies remained standing together, singing hymns hand-in-hand and remembering the 12 fallen Aggies.