John,

Back in 1970 as a college senior at Lewis & Clark College, I ran the statewide campaign in Oregon to lower the voting age from 21 to 19. As the movement gained speed across the country, we jumped on a national campaign to ratify a constitutional amendment to lower the voting age to 18.

I testified in front of Congress for the first time ever as a 21-year-old just a few months away from completing my degree in Political Science.

It was during this tumultuous time in the hard-fought battle to give young people a voice in the decisions that affect them that Peter Yarrow of the famed trio Peter, Paul, and Mary joined us to throw a benefit concert at the old Congress Hotel in Portland and give some legs to this movement.

In the fifty or so years since, I've never forgotten that iconic moment.

Just this month, Peter passed away at the age of 86, having done so much for the world through music and advocacy – including that special moment that I've carried with me since I was 21 years old.

Peter leaves behind an immense legacy of what it means to serve your community. He stood up during the civil rights movement, opposed needless wars, and brought new ways of thinking to young people in their conservative hometowns across the country.

From music to activism, Peter was a talent, an icon, and a great human being.

Courage,

Earl