Janice Schakowsky: “I rise today as a mother and as a grandmother to honor Fred McFeely Rogers, known to millions of children and their…”

“I rise today as a mother and as a grandmother to honor Fred McFeely Rogers, known to millions of children and their parents simply as 'Mister Rogers.' Since first broadcasting 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood' on Pittsburgh's public television station in 1966, Mister Rogers brought his message that 'everybody's special' to children and adults around the world. Fred Rogers spoke to thousands of children every day, gently teaching each of them about the importance of acceptance--acceptance of others and acceptance of themselves. No matter what challenge children face in their lives it is always 'a beautiful day in the neighborhood' that Mr. Rogers created for them. Mister Rogers also acted as a role model for parents, suggesting creative ways for parents to listen--and to listen--to their children. Fred Rogers did not rely on fast-paced cuts and high-budget thrills to keep a child's attention. He wrote the scripts, was the host, operated the puppets, and even wrote the songs for each show. Mister Rogers' formula for making kids care about what he had to say was to listen to them.”