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Congressional Gold Medal Nominee Fred Rogers
Santorum Introduces Legislation to Honor Mister Rogers Tuesday, September 28, 2004 Washington, DC Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, introduced a bill yesterday to award Mr. Fred Rogers a Congressional Gold Medal. Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) cosponsored the bill. I commend the work of Pennsylvanian Fred Rogers, a compassionate and caring television icon, Senator Santorum said. His children's television show, Mister Rogers Neighborhood, engaged children in living rooms across the nation every day with lessons on growing up, stories, creative and educational activities and visits with local 'neighborhood' friends. Parents could feel comfortable that their children were viewing a program that not only educated their children, but motivated them intellectually and emotionally." A student of child development at the University of Pittsburgh and an ordained Presbyterian minister, Fred Rogers produced various local and national television programs for the enjoyment of Americas youth. Most notable among his productions were The Childrens Corner and Mister Rogers Neighborhood, programs that showcased Rogers talent as both producer and actor. Fred Rogers was awarded numerous professional accolades that included four Emmy Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the TV Critics Association, and two George Foster Peabody Awards. In 1999, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Fred Rogers was an ambassador of kindness and compassion to generations of American children, Senator Santorum said. Above all, he taught children how to be a good neighbor to those in their communities. He will be greatly missed, but his exemplary life of tireless service will not be forgotten.
Fred Rogers proposed to receive Congressional Gold Medal Wednesday, September 29, 2004 By Barbara Vancheri, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
George Washington received the very first one, and now the late Fred Rogers is in line to receive a Congressional Gold Medal, too. The honor dates to the
American Revolution, when Congress commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation.
U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum introduced a bill Monday that would award Rogers a Congressional Gold Medal. Santorum called Rogers a "compassionate and caring television icon" and said, "Parents could feel comfortable that their children were viewing a program that not only educated their children but motivated them intellectually and emotionally." His fellow Pennsylvania senator,
Arlen Specter, cosponsored the measure, which needs approval by a majority of the House and Senate. It then must be signed into law by the president. Then representatives from the U.S. Mint and the bill's sponsors meet with members of the recipient's family to discuss the design. Bill Isler, who heads Family Communications Inc., the company Rogers founded in 1971, said yesterday, "Both senators have been very supportive of Fred's work. It's an honor to have Fred considered." In July 2002, President Bush presented Rogers with a
Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the late children's host was showered with other awards and honorary degrees.
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