On this day in 1969, the National Educational Television network premiered a show from the Children’s Television Workshop, with songs, animation, Bob McGrath, Loretta Long, Caroll Spinney, Carol Burnett, and Muppets.

Forty years later, Sesame Street has become the longest running American children’s program, having helped educate generations of children worldwide. And Bob McGrath, Loretta Long (Susan) and Caroll Spinney (Big Bird and Oscar) are still there. (Think of it– 40 years as an 8 foot tall bird.)

Happy Birthday Sesame Street, from Meltdown Comics.