Caroline Shankle ’25, a student in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Animal Science, never imagined her role as a member of the Silver Taps committee would lead her to start a new tradition. But after a profoundly emotional moment, her experience became the catalyst for a project that continues to offer comfort to grieving families.
Before a Silver Taps ceremony, Shankle saw a grieving father holding a solitary rose outside the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center. As the ceremony came to a close and the family made their way to the flagpole in Academic Plaza, the father gently placed the rose at its base. He explained to Shankle that it came from their daughter’s grave.
The rose was a final piece of their daughter they wanted to leave behind at Texas A&M University, a symbolic gesture of letting go and honoring her connection to the university.
“I had never realized the power a flower could hold,” Shankle said. “But seeing how that family used the flower as a way to cope and honor their daughter was really moving.”
What is Silver Taps?
Silver Taps is one of Texas A&M’s most cherished traditions, held each month to honor students who have passed away. It began as a simple act of mourning in the late 19th century—a bugle played after a student’s death—and has evolved into a powerful ceremony that unites the Aggie community in remembrance.
The ceremony begins with the extinguishing of lights, followed by hymns played on the Albritton Bell Tower. Students and families gather in the Academic Plaza, where the Ross Volunteers Company marches in, firing a three-volley salute in memory of the deceased. The emotional high point comes when buglers atop the Academic Building play “Silver Taps” three times—to the north, west and south—but never to the east, symbolizing that the sun will never rise on that Aggie again.
The area in front of the Sul Ross statue and the Academic Building is reserved for the family and friends of the deceased. Aggies maintain a silent, respectful atmosphere by walking to and from the ceremony without talking to preserve the silence. The name of the deceased is posted on the flagpole earlier in the day as a reminder of their legacy.
While originally reserved for the Corps of Cadets, Silver Taps was expanded in 1971 to include all students enrolled at the time of their passing. Over the years, the ceremony has become a monthly tradition organized by the Texas A&M Student Government’s Traditions Council to provide an opportunity for the Aggie community to unite in mourning and honor the memory of their peers.
The power of flowers
Shankle’s floral design class seeded the idea of how flowers can be a powerful instrument to help people deal with grief. Wendy Osburn, assistant professor of practice for floral design in the Department of Horticultural Sciences, had shared a deeply personal story with the class about how flowers had helped her process her own grief after the loss of her son. Receiving flowers during that difficult time, Osburn explained, was not just a gesture of sympathy—it was a moment that made her grief real, a symbol of love and remembrance that helped her cope with her loss.
Shankle listened intently to Osburn’s story, but it wasn’t until the Silver Taps ceremony that the significance of flowers in moments of grief truly clicked. Moved by what she had witnessed with the grieving father, Shankle went to Osburn and shared the story of the rose. Osburn was touched by the story, and together they decided to take action.
A new tradition blossoms
The plan was simple but meaningful: use the flowers left over from floriculture class, HORT 203, to create bouquets for the families attending Silver Taps. These flowers would be offered as a small, but heartfelt gesture—a way for families to take something with them as a tangible memory of their loved ones. Whether placed at a grave, by the Sul Ross statue or kept as a keepsake, the flowers would serve as a reminder of the connection the Aggie community shares and the support that surrounds the grieving family.
Since then, the project has become a tradition for the class. Each month, floriculture students prepare floral arrangements to offer the families of those being honored at Silver Taps.
“The idea, given to me by Mrs. Osburn, was to offer a little comfort during an incredibly difficult time,” Shankle said. “It wasn’t about the flowers themselves, but the symbolism behind them. They represent care, love and solidarity.”
In addition to the flowers, students across campus also participate by writing letters to the families. During tabling events, students write words of encouragement, support and love—offering an additional layer of care to the grieving families.
“Even something as small as a letter or a flower can make a world of difference,” Shankle said. “It’s not about us. It’s about helping others and giving a little bit of light in what can be an incredibly dark time. It’s about showing that we care about our Aggie family, always.”
To write letters to the Aggies being honored at this month’s ceremony, visit the Silver Taps online letter submission form.
