I spent an hour or so recently searching the Internet for the video of a wonderful performance by Peter, Paul and Mary before a group of New York City elementary school children.

They were leading the children and their parents and teachers in singing Woodie Guthrie’s wonderful song, “This Land is Your Land.” It was so moving to see those bright and eager young children, soaking up the first lesson of American citizenship. It was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes.

I never found a video of that performance.

But this one, by Arlo, is pretty good too, because he adds a terrific message about why we are lucky to be alive at this time.

This is the first in a Sierra Voices series “Remembering Great Songs of the Labor Movement.”