Bonfire Memorial, 2004
Located on the Nortside of campus outside of the Jack K. Williams Administration Building
Bonfire was one of the most passionately observed traditions on any college campus in the country. It contained thousands of logs carefully engineered and stacked over thousands of hours. It was built by devoted students and former students who chopped logs and hauled timber for the burn to symbolize the Aggies burning desire to beat the Texas Longhorns on the football field. Then, on November 18, 1999, a week before it was scheduled to burn, the Texas A&M Bonfire collapsed at 2:42 a.m. Twelve Aggies passed away and 27 others were injured in the collapse.
The Bonfire Memorial is comprised of three design elements that unite Aggies past, present and future.
The first element is Tradition Plaza which marks the entrance to the memorial and reflects on the activities that bring Aggies together.
History Walk portrays the 90 years of Bonfire preceding the 1999 collapse. The timeline is comprised of 89 granite stones arranged in a north-south line and begins with 1909, the first year Bonfire was built on campus. The amber light and notch in each stone is a metaphor for the fire glow of Bonfire each November.
The break in the timeline in 1963 signifies the year John F. Kennedy was assassinated -- the only year that Bonfire did not burn. Three previous Bonfire-related deaths are remembered on the time line in the years they occurred.
The second design element is the Spirit Ring that surrounds the site of the 1999 Bonfire. It represents the Aggie Spirit that unites individuals into something greater than themselves. Notice the twelve portals. They are oriented toward the hometowns of the students who lost their lives in the collapse. From different backgrounds, communities and beliefs, these students converged on this field, along with many of their fellow Aggies, to celebrate the Aggie Spirit.
In each of the portals there are incredibly touching stories about each student, as well expressions of love and admiration from their family and friends.
The third design element is the Last Corps Trip Wall, which contains the poem that was traditionally read prior to the lighting of Bonfire each year.
For Aggies who participated in Bonfire, the meaning and power of the Aggie Spirit is understood. The Bonfire Memorial seeks to share that understanding with all visitors with respect, remembrance and spirit.