Conclusion
"I’d like to be remembered for being a compassionate human being who happened to be fortunate enough to be born at a time when there was a fabulous thing called television that could allow me to use all the talents
that I had been given.”
- Fred Rogers 1999 (Archive of American TV)
that I had been given.”
- Fred Rogers 1999 (Archive of American TV)
"Do you know what would be a perfect quote? I’d want to be remembered as a Pennsylvanian." - Fred Rogers 1996 (PA Heritage) |
Fred Rogers was a compassionate radical who took a stand for peace. Beyond the cardigan, he was a progressive pacifist. He testified before Congress and in the Sony case; he sued the Ku Klux Klan. His unwavering faith in the goodness of people changed lives. |
"It is impossible to count the number of lives you have touched, but you've made a huge impact on thousands and thousands of children. And there are thousands and thousands of parents and Americans who are grateful for your service to the country."
- President George W. Bush 2002 (Pittsburgh Post Gazette) Rogers remained unchanged by numerous awards and would likely agree with critics who claimed he was not to be deified. When analyzed in historic context, social implications of Rogers’ relentless pursuit of peace endure. |
We remember Fred Rogers in our hearts and on the landscape. He reminds us to seek hope even in times of great trial. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood continues Rogers’ legacy on PBS.
"More teacher than celebrity, Mister Rogers, by his example, taught us about goodness, honesty and dignity. For that, he was a parent's most trusted resource and a child's most trusted friend."
- Robert T. Coonrod, president and CEO, Corporation for Public Broadcasting 2003 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
- Robert T. Coonrod, president and CEO, Corporation for Public Broadcasting 2003 (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
9/11 anniversary message to former viewers 2002 (YouTube)
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"I'm so grateful to you for helping the children in your life to know that you'll do everything you can to keep them safe and to help them express their feelings in ways that will bring healing in many different neighborhoods."
- Fred Rogers 2002 (YouTube) Millions of adults who watched Mister Rogers' Neighborhood when they were children matured into peacemakers. They embody his timeless message of loving acceptance and still sing along to "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood."
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Banner Image: Rogers (The Heinz Endowments/Lynn Johnson)