At the entrance of Texas A&M stands a 4,300-square-foot memorial dedicated to the 12 students killed in the Bonfire collapse.
For so many, the monument serves as a place of healing, tradition and Aggie strength.
The memorial was dedicated five years after the accident. To this day, it remains dear to Aggies far and near, but is especially meaningful to the Corps. of Cadets.
Student Elisa Rodriguez has visited the site several times.
"My first time coming out here, I was in the Corps. So, it was a very different experience," she said. "It just really made us reflect on our time together."
Eighty-nine granite blocks represent the years the Bonfire tradition was carried, burning between 1909 and 1998, until November 18, 1999.
"These students were here in my place, exactly where I was at one point, and just how easily their lives were taken," said Rodriguez.
The monument recently underwent renovations to make sure it stands the test of time to unite Aggies past, present and future.
