Westminster twenty-somethings hold memorial for 94-year-old musician

February 20, 2014 at 6:00 a.m. | Updated February 20, 2014 at 6:00 a.m.

Abigail Stokes, Westminster College student, sings "If I Had a Hammer" by Pete Seeger Wednesday during a memorial to honor the American folk musician who died on January 27. The Rubato Music Club and Spiritual Life at Westminster organized the event. Stokes said gave a speech, saying her mother used to sing to her Seeger's song, "Abby Yo Yo" when she was young. She added that she identified with Seeger as a humanitarian because his music always came with a moving message.

They may be children of the '90s, but their connection with the late American folk musician Pete Seeger sparked a memorial in his honor.

Westminster College students with the Rubato Music Club and Spiritual Life on campus organized about an hour-and-a-half service, which was dedicated to the singer-song writer. Seeger died on Jan. 27 at age 94.

While most of the 25 attendees were students, a few - like President Barney Forsythe and professors - represented an another generation.

Those elder participants, like English Professor Wayne Zade, proclaimed themselves "children of the '60s," but Zade said the memorial was evidence that Seeger's messages have lasted throughout time.

"There's no generation gap here," Zade said.

Dean Morran, Westminster College student and founder of the Rubato Music Club, said he felt an "overwhelming urge" to hold a service. Morran played guitar while he and other singers and musicians played Seeger's classic "If I Had A Hammer" and the civil rights song, "We Shall Overcome."

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