This was one of the most humble yet powerful presentations I have ever seen.
"In 1969, the US Senate held hearings about funding for the newly formed Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). A $20 million grant, proposed by former President Lyndon Johnson, was in jeopardy. President Richard Nixon wanted that amount cut it in half. The hearings were chaired by Senator John Pastore (D-RI)."
Senator Pastore introduced Mr Rogers by saying "Allright, Rogers, you've got the floor," to the derisive laughter of some present. What followed was nothing short of amazing. In an impassioned speech, Mr Rogers literally gave the Senator goosebumps.
"You've made this day a special day,
by just your being YOU.
There is no person in the whole world like you,
And I like you just the way you are."
The last few lines of his closing song are priceless:
"Know that there's something deep inside
that helps us become what we can.
For a girl can be someday a lady,
and a boy can be someday a man."
Senator Pastore: "I think it's wonderful. I think it's wonderful. Looks like you just earned the $20 million dollars."
At this, the room erupted in spontaneous laughter and applause.
Fred McFeely Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian minister whose brief was to work with children and families through television. Fred once said "We have to remember to whom the airwaves belong, and we must put as great an emphasis on the nurturing of the human personality as we can." He passed away at age 74 in February 2003. We miss you, Mr Rogers!
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