Reveille I

(Unknown – January 18, 1944)

 

Reveille I

In January 1931, several members of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band were returning from a party in nearby Navasota, Texas when they unexpectedly hit a small black and white stray mutt. They brought the dog with them, and smuggled her into Legett Hall,^[1] fully intending to take her to the vet school the next day. The next morning, her presence was made apparent when "Reveille" was blown by a bugler and the dog began barking, hence Reveille became her name.^[2] Although it was against the rules to keep pets in the dorms, the cadets fell in love with the dog and kept her anyway.^[1]
During the opening of football season, Reveille was named official mascot when she led the band onto Kyle Field for a half-time performance. She would wear a jacket with A&M colors and pace the sidelines during games.
Due to the quantity of officers and soldiers Texas A&M contributed to the US Armed Forces in World War II, Reveille was given the honorary title of Cadet General by the U.S. Army. Since that time, Reveille has worn the rank of Cadet General (5 diamonds). Since 5 diamonds are not manufactured, cadets align Cadet Colonel and Cadet Lieutenant Colonel rank on her uniform.
Upon her death on January 18, 1944, she received a formal military funeral on the fifty yard line in Kyle Field and then was buried at the north entrance facing the scoreboard so that she can always watch the Aggies play.