Today is Sweater Day. What is Sweater Day you ask? On this day in March, 1928, Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) was born. Today, in remembrance of Mr. Rogers, and the impact that he had on children and the public in general, the city of Pittsburgh (his hometown) is encouraging the public to wear sweaters today in remembrance of him, and his 33+ year career.
I can’t recall watching Mr. Rogers with any consistency growing up, though I do remember on occasion watching the show. Truth be told I always found his puppets a little hokey. But all in all, what I know of the man seems to indicate that he was a model of faith and love.
In 1997 he was given the Lifetime Achievement award at the Daytime Emmy’s. To a silent and captivated audience, his acceptance speech was as follows:
“Oh it’s a beautiful night in this neighborhood.
So many people have helped me to come to this night. Some of you are here, some are far away, some are even in heaven. All of us have special ones who have loved us into being.
Would you just take along with me, 10 seconds, to think of the people who have helped you become who you are. Those who have cared for you, and wanted what was best for you in life. 10 seconds of silence, I’ll watch the time
<10 seconds pass>
Whomever you’ve been thinking about, how pleased they must be to know the difference you feel they’ve made. You know, they’re the type of people that television does well to offer our world.
Special thanks to my family and friends, and to my coworkers in public broadcasting, Family Communications, and this academy, for encouraging me and allowing me all these years to be your neighbor.
May God be with you.”
Fred Rogers, Daytime Emmys, 1997
In honor of Mr. Rogers, I’m wearing my sweater today.
Mr. Rodgers is awesome! I hated him as a kid but as an adult he was a really great person, I’m forcing our kids to watch him!