An estimated 50,000 people gathered Thursday at Texas A&M on the fifth anniversary of the deadly bonfire accident.
A $5 million granite and bronze memorial was dedicated to the 12 Aggies who died and 27 who were hurt in the 1999 collapse. Gov. Rick Perry, class of 1972, spoke at the ceremony held at the site of the accident.
Perry hopes the memorial will give others what he calls, "a glimpse into the soul of Aggieland."
The centerpiece is a circle of 12 rectangular arches, one for each victim. They are connected by 27 large stones, symbolic of those injured.
University President, Dr. Robert Gates, along with a parent of one of the students killed and an injured student spoke at the ceremony.
Thousands Attend Memorial Dedication