Ring of Fire
It was one of the most passionately observed traditions on any college campus in the country. Then, on November 18, 1999, a week before it was scheduled to burn, the Texas A&M Bonfire collapsed in the middle of the night, killing twelve Aggies. Ten years later, as the university continues to wrestle with the tragedy—and debate whether Bonfire should ever return to campus—the students and alumni who chopped logs, hauled timber, and built stack talk about what they saw, what they lost, and how their school was changed forever.
36 comments
November 20th, 2009 at 7:03pm
Jessica says:
I read the article out loud to my husband and very close friend. We all 3 lost good friends that night and we had our own memorial at home this week. What I do want to point out though is that one of the articles mentioned that the first off-campus bonfire wasn’t until 2002. This is incorrect. We wore our pots and hugged and cried the very next year as we remembered our 12 fallen family members. We will always remember. Gig ’Em. Jessica Rhodes, Class of 2003.
November 16th, 2009 at 9:54am
Tim ’78 says:
I disagree with those that suggest that things have diminished on campus, we take the opportunity to go to the campus often, and the Aggie Spirit is alive and well. Please do not forget that the Bonfire continues to burn each year. The current students continue to go to cut, set a centerpole, build the stack, and light ’er up before the tu game. In my opinion, they show a greater commitment to Bonfire because of the tragedy 0f ’99 and they honor the lives of those who perished by continuing the tradition. Burn is set for Tuesday, November 24, don’t be late. Beat the hell outta tu.
November 15th, 2009 at 7:17pm
Susan Fernandez says:
Being parents of a sophomore A & M student at the time of the Bonfire tragedy, We were not fully immersed in the traditions of Bonfire. And yet, there was clearly a generosity of family cohesiveness within the Aggie family on campus. A "Howdy" was communicatied with the understanding of what it meant to be an Aggie and what it meant to be an Aggie family within the family of Aggies. When stack collapsed, we grieved for the 12 young lives lost, the injured, and finally for the loss of Aggie tradition. But tradition can be lost and restarted. The injured can get well. But,the students who gave their lives for their beloved university are lost forever. There will always be a hole in our hearts and it is expansive.
November 11th, 2009 at 6:52pm
Lindsay says:
Amazing story. I cried, and I don’t even have very many close ties to A&M. Thanks for letting me into such an important part of the Aggie story.
November 8th, 2009 at 7:23am
David says:
The Bonfire should return to A&M, it is the traditions and experiences in life that help define who we are and who we become: Midnight Yell, Yell Leaders, greeting each other on campus with a ’Howdy!’, removing your hat in various places on campus, the Aggie Ring, Ring Dance, and so on. I encourage all parents to send their kids to colleges and universities that have strong traditions and sense of community...they will be better adults because of them.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:18pm
jess says:
The tradition of Bonfire is really amazing. The whole student body would come together for the cut, showing what it really means to be apart of the Aggie Family. But it is always important to remember that it wasn’t Bonfire that built the Aggie Spirit, the Aggie Spirit built Bonfire!
November 5th, 2009 at 10:23am
Bill Crist ’73 says:
I was a fish in Sqdn 4 the year we built the tallest Bonfire on record. I remember the bruises, the muscle pains, the cuts, the blisters, the pushups. It is all pale compared to the sacrifice our 12 brothers and sisters gave to our beloved school. Every Aggie Muster since that day I have said a "Here" for them. Their sacrifice is forever etched in our minds. Whether or not we ever see another official Bonfire does not matter; our traditions will survive. We are great. We are mighty. We are Texas Aggies.
November 4th, 2009 at 11:54am
S. Lewis ’00 says:
We will never forget that dark morning; we still grieve. Thank you for remembering and honoring our injured and our lost.
November 3rd, 2009 at 5:21pm
Rick C ’73 says:
Great story that will move many to tears and many to work to discredit a wonderful tradition that has impacted lives for almost a century. How can someone who has never endured the effort required to do such a thing ever hope to understand the emotion that comes to the surface when this issue is discussed. I remember the four I participated in...much was learned about how the University can bring so much out in such young people. The terrible loss of life can not overcome, but we can hope to rebuild what may come after.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:14pm
Old Army ’98 says:
I could not hold back the tears as I read this article.
I can’t stop them whenever I come across any account of that early morning. From Jim Dent’s Backyard Brawl, the multiple articles & metionings in this publication, to any number of books, articles, and blogs that try to give a glimpse of what happened that day.
The Aggie Family changed forever.
I still hear the UT Band playing Amazing Grace.
I still here our Band quietly marching off of Kyle Field.
The cannon salutes.
Taps.
The roar at Gamble’s recovery.
The tears as we all watched him reach to the sky.
I walk out to the Polo Fields and still hear the rustling of all of the trinkets, momentos, posters, letters, grodes, and every sort of tribute that was left out there in the weeks following that day.
I can still smell the embers of all the Bonfires I built before & watched burned.
I still feel the silence of thousands standing still as we hoped for a sound to be picked up by the sensitive mics dropped into that pile.
What I wish for... what I long for... what SHOULD have "never been forgotten..." is the Spirit.
The "Howdy"-s.
The silent walk of thousands to the Academic Building to honor a fallen Ag.
The creaking of the benches in Kyle from ALL of the student body standing.
There is no replacing Bonfire. I am just saddenned by the deterioration of the other proud Traditions. There is no need for a "replacement" activity.
As integral as Bonfire had become to the camraderie of the campus, it was never the sole support of that spirit.
I miss it. I mourn it. I mourn The Twelve.
I want them back. I want it back... but I want the Pride & Passion back more. That should not have waned. That can be revived.
Gig ’em, Aggies. God Bless.
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:08pm
class of ’01 says:
"Remember The Fallen"
The mighty Bonfire, standing so great and tall
Our honored tradition, loved by us all
Showed an unfamiliar face today
When the hearty stacks suddenly gave way
A violent face never seen before in all it’s 90 years
Has shown itself today, delivering so many tears
A new tradition was born today in every Aggie’s soul
Bonfire will also be a reminder of the grief that took it’s toll
In the hearts of Aggie’s future, present, and past
For those who loved our great institution up to the very last
Now more than ever, Bonfire should go on
So that the Ag’s of the future can reflect upon
The lives of our brothers and sisters that gave their all
For a family they truly loved, even after the fall
GOD BLESS THE AGGIES
November 18, 1999
SMN
Class of 2001
November 3rd, 2009 at 12:01pm
Susan says:
All I can say is "Thank you"
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:52pm
Kathy says:
Thanks TM for a very well written article about Bonfire. I expected a very biased, anti-bonfire slant, but was pleasantly surprised by the unique approach used to tell the story of Bonfire and of that fateful night. I attended the memorial service, the yell practice afterwards, and the game. I still get emotional when I see pictures of the candlelight ceremony or of Brian Gamble recovering that fumble to seal the victory against the Longhorns. And I still feel sad every fall when I don’t see that stack going up. Something is missing on campus. The off campus bonfire proves that it can be built safely so it is time to bring Bonfire back.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:00am
Donna Duncan says:
I visited the Bonfire Memorial for the first time a week ago with my daughter. What struck me is the time she spent reading every word about each and every fallen Aggie. Although unknown to her personally, these twelve are Aggies, therefore part of her Aggie family. Visiting the Memorial was a moving experience. The words carved into the granite by and about each fallen Aggie made me think a little harder about the type of student that wants to be a part of Texas A&M University and the Aggie Spirit.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:08am
Lauren says:
in response to Gayle, what a terrible thing to say, that bonfire is "a tribute to arrogance and ignorance". My father drove up every year after he graduated and when I was born taking me with him. Attending that memorial is one of the most heart breaking memories that I have. You are obviously someone who must not be familiar, or had any real experience with this tradition to say something as terrible as that. People died, and it was terrible, but something amazing came out of it, the real meaning of what being part of the Aggie family is all about. The ability for this diverse community to come together to offer their love and support for those that were lost. This article was a brilliant and insightful piece of what this tradition is all about. And you can bet that I am there again supporting student bonfire as much as I will stand tall for those that were lost at the memorial that will be held soon at the monument.
October 31st, 2009 at 9:18am
Gayle says:
The bonfire is a monument to "arrogance and ignorance" to use a few words from the plaintiff’s attorney quoted in the article. A monument that claimed the lives of twelve young people. Surely Texas A&M can find another way to develop the esprit de corps they seem so intent on bragging about.
October 30th, 2009 at 7:38pm
Linda Herklotz/Elmore ’88 says:
I like the suggestion of Allison...to wait two more years. Twelve years for twelve lives. Then, let the tradition live on.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:50pm
Patrice Owens Kihlken ’83 says:
In 1999 I grieved with all other Aggies for the 12 souls that perished that day. I know that not a day goes by that their families and friends don’t think of them, and my heart goes out to them. But I also think that ten years is long enough for a tradition such as bonfire to be extinguished. The time has come for Texas A&M to heal and build up.
October 28th, 2009 at 9:07am
Heather Hines ’05 says:
All the Aggies that were lost that day will never be forgotten. A&M has a history surrounding our 12th man, who stood ready to aid his team in time of need. That tragic day we had a 12th man. Tim Kerlee was the 12th person to be lost that day and he continuously sent rescuers to somebody else he could see still trapped. He was our 12th man, who came to the aid of his Aggie team, and saved many lives. In every great tragedy comes triumph.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:13pm
Daniel Eggert ’02 says:
I was there that evening. God graciously spared many that night, but I will never forget Scott West or the 11 other Aggies I didn’t know. Thank you for reminding all that there were injuries, not just fatalities. Most of all, thank you for your fair and balanced treatment of Student Bonfire. Having participated in both, I can tell you Student Bonfire continues out of love for Texas A&M and respect for the Aggies of ’99.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:05am
Julia Wood says:
In ’98 I went behind my father’s back and went to Bonfire with my Aggie date. As a third generation Longhorn this was a cardinal sin in my friends and families’ eyes. But seeing Bonfire was an amazing experience. It was one of those things you just can’t explain, especially to a bunch of Longhorns.
In ’99 I went with my friend who took me to bonfire to the Prayer Vigil at the UT Campus. That too was one of the most amazing nights. We were not Aggies or Longhorns, we were a bunch of college kids who lost friends. We mourned together, prayed together and tried our best to support each other. I was so proud of UT that day and glad to share our campus with my Aggie Friends.
Thank you Texas Monthly for a wonderful article. It was so nice to read the history of bonfire told from those who put their blood, sweat and tears into tradition.
Hook ’Em.
Julia McIlheran Wood
Texas ’Ex 2001
October 27th, 2009 at 12:38am
Tom Osborn ’68 says:
Thank you, TM, for a wonderful story about a school we think so grand. For it’s a spirit that can never be told, Bonfire is the Spirit of Aggieland. Fall, 1964, was my first encounter as a Fish. It was full of sweat, blood and tears for many Fish; but, it burned into our being the fierce pride, passion and performance which characterize an Aggie’s contribution to any endeavor. Bonfire symbolizes the Aggie Spirit.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:30pm
John Peet says:
I went to my first Aggie bonfire with all my Aggie buddies in 1963 and went back in ’64 and ’65.I thought the bonfires were great as are all the traditions that go in to Texas A&M.I was there at the football game in ’99 and was moved to tears by the respect and love shown at halftime by the Longhorn band.You see, I’m a Longhorn...and if there was ever a game that A&M needed to win,it was that game.We really have a lot more in common than we ever admit. Hook ’em Horns and Gig ’em Aggies really sounds pretty good together,and it always will to me.But on Thanksgiving Day I’ll be pulling for Texas and you will pull for A&M...but that’s OK.That’s the way it should be and that’s the way it will always be.That tradition will never change!
October 26th, 2009 at 2:46pm
Erin ’03 says:
Thank you so much for the moving Bonfire article, which accurately portrays what happened that November day. I was a freshman in ’99 & had never seen Bonfire before. I didn’t even know much about any A&M tradition until I was there. I didn’t know any of the 12 Aggies who died, but I will never forget that day & how I felt. I will never forget the candlelight ceremony or the memorial service. There was a huge change in the atmosphere on campus for weeks to follow. A&M was forever changed & all of the students were changed. To this day, I am still sad when I hear or read about it. I remember going home for Thanksgiving that year & everyone I ran into who knew I was an Aggie had some comment to make. I was already upset enough & people just wanted to give their opinion on something they knew nothing about. The saying about Aggieland really is true: "from the outside looking in you can’t understand it, from the inside looking out you can’t explain it." I’m not sure anyone other than fellow Aggies can ever understand how important Bonfire was to our university. However, Bonfire did not define the Aggie Spirit, which will live on no matter what future decisions are made about an on campus Bonfire. I would also like to mention how great it was of UT to be as respectful as they were during our difficult time. Gig ’Em!
October 25th, 2009 at 9:19pm
RJR ’09 says:
Well done, TM and Pamela Colloff. While reading this article, I was relieved to find it was an accurate portrayal of the events that took place on that November day in ’99, from the mouths of the people that were there. Not at all what we have come to expect (backhanded compliments) from Burka. Thank you for your objectiveness and professionalism on such a serious subject and unforgettable tragedy. Gig ’Em.
October 25th, 2009 at 4:32pm
Allison Arnold ’93 says:
We should wait two more years - 12 in all, one for each of the fallen. Then finish what they started. Build it and burn it for them. If at that point the Aggie family wants to discontinue Bonfire, so be it. But we should finish what they started.
October 25th, 2009 at 3:44pm
Siera Brantley ’08 says:
Thank you.Gig ’Em.
October 24th, 2009 at 4:12pm
Stephanie Vertrees says:
I don’t think enough can be said about the support that UT gave us that year. I remember making that 1 1/2 hour drive from CS to Austin to participate in the candlelight vigil that UT held in place of its typical Hex Rally. It was so poignant, hearing Mack Brown pour his heart out for us Aggies during our time of mourning. That night, I think most of us felt less like rivals and more like fellow Texans. Thank you, TM, for helping us relive such a sad and yet meaningful memory. Stephanie (Michael) Vertrees, Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2001
October 24th, 2009 at 2:24am
Andy Duffie ’78 says:
Very well done, TM. Texas A&M will never forget that tragedy - or the 12 students who are honored by the Bonfire Memorial on campus. The support shown to A&M by the University of Texas during those days was overwhelming, completely unexpected, and was a big first step in our collective healing process. Thanks again, UT.
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:45am
Pastor Deb Grant says:
As one of many campus pastors who walked alongside our beloved students those horrific hours and heavy November days, thank you for letting the Ags tell the story.
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:13pm
Nicole says:
TM, the debate about bringing back Bonfire and the upcoming 10-year anniversary has stirred a lot of interest in the ’99 tragedy. Thank you for giving us the words of the very Aggies who were there. No matter what an individual feels about bringing back Bonfire, this was a moving, wonderfully researched article.
- frickpot Nicole C., Lekner Crew
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:42pm
Steven C. Kahla says:
At the time I was a pisshead in Company C-2 Old Army Company. We were perimeter guard and were always the most redassed crew at cut and stack. We were lead by Brad Moring that year, one of the best Butt Pots to lead a crew and a great guy in general. We lost 12 good friends that night. Old Army died and the university has not been the same since. To keep revisiting the event and try to blame someone is like beating a dead horse - its not going to get up and finish the race just because you hit it harder.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:36pm
Stephen Henley says:
TM, thank you for an article that is not so much written as it was told from the perspective of those that experienced it. However, one missing perspective is any positive comments about Student Bonfire. This organization has shown that a professional, safety-focused attitude can cure the problems that plagued previous Bonfires.
How do we proactively ensure a tragedy like the collapse never happens again? We can either cease such an endeavor or we can change it to make it safer. As a whole, I believe the Aggie family prefers the latter rather than the former.
Stephen Henley
Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band
Class of 2001
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:56am
James Thorpe says:
Thank you TM. A well written, non-biased account of what happened. Aggies, lets come together and begin a new tradition similar to the Big Event and put the same blood, sweat and tears into something greater than ourselves. Class of ’96.
October 21st, 2009 at 9:09pm
Amanda says:
Thank you TM. This is beautifully written, it bought me to tears every now and then.
October 21st, 2009 at 8:42pm
Maria says:
Wow. Very well done. Thanks to TM for capturing a realistic account of the event and not making us look like a bunch of Yay-whos.
