Texas A&M University in College Station in Brazos County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

“The Spirit of ’02”

Photographed By Ronald Claiborne, January 4, 2024

1. “The Spirit of ’02” Marker

Inscription. 1902 Model 3 Inch Field Artillery Piece
First fired on this site
September 4th, 1982
Parsons Mounted Cavalry Cannoneers

Grant H. Gilson ’83 — Section Chief
Robert J. Butrico, Jr. ’83 • Lee S. Netterville ’83 • Robert C. Drury ’84 • Ron S. Palomares ’83 • Timothy W. Foster ’84 • Joseph N. Yow ’83
Military Advisor — CPT Mark C. Waller ’70
Commander PMC - D. Dale Gibson ’83

Erected by C.S. Netterville.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Military. A significant day of the year for for this entry is May 31.

Location. 30° 36.815′ N, 96° 20.213′ W. Marker is in College Station, Texas, in Brazos County. It is in Texas A&M University. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Coke Street and Lubbock Street. There is no public parking near the marker. There is a public parking garage across Coke Street. Very short walk.The monument is near the flagpole on the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: College Station TX 77840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Francis Hollingsworth (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A. & M. College of Texas World War Memorial (about 400 feet away); Texas A&M Corps of Cadets (about

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500 feet away); Freedom from Terrorism Memorial (about 500 feet away); Texas A&M Cadet Edwin O. Bellinger ’36 Memorial Bugle Stand (about 500 feet away); Colonel Joe T. Haney Field (about 600 feet away); J.V. "Pinky" Wilson (about 700 feet away); Early Texas A&M Campus Housing (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in College Station.

Regarding “The Spirit of ’02”. The artillery cannon, known as “The Spirit of ‘02”, was discovered in 1974 at Easterwood Airport in College Station, where cadets were conducting a cut for the annual bonfire.

Recognizing the potential that this cannon had for use within PMC, Cadet John Gunter III ‘79 approached Colonel Thomas Parsons with a plan to restore the gun. Upon completion of the restoration project in 1979, the 3-inch M1902 artillery piece was named “The Spirit of ‘02”, in honor of the gun model’s 1902 origins. It was fired for the first time on Texas A&M’s Quad in 1982, at the start of a Corps march-in.

The Spirit of ‘02 would then go on to make its Kyle Field debut in 1984, marking the beginning of a beloved Texas Aggie tradition,

“The Spirit of ’02” Before a Texas Aggie Home Football Game image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ronald Claiborne, October 7, 2023

2. “The Spirit of ’02” Before a Texas Aggie Home Football Game

and the start of one of PMC’s most visible game day duties. This involvement would launch PMC into significant national visibility, with Aggies and fans of opposing teams quickly recognizing the unit for this tradition. [Source: Texas A&M Corps of Cadets]

“The Spirit of ’02” on a Texas A&M Aggie Home Football Game Day image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ronald Claiborne, October 7, 2023

3. “The Spirit of ’02” on a Texas A&M Aggie Home Football Game Day

Parsons Mounted Cavalry Shield image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ronald Claiborne, January 4, 2024

4. Parsons Mounted Cavalry Shield

“The Spirit of ’02” image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ronald Claiborne, October 7, 2023

5. “The Spirit of ’02”

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2024, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. This page has been viewed 204 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 4, 2024, by Ronald Claiborne of College Station, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.