Fred Rogers Acceptance Speech - 1997

ladies and gentlemen the best neighbor any of us has ever had Fred Rogers [Applause] forgiving generation upon generation of children confidence in themselves for being their friend for telling them again and again and again that they are special and that they have worth it is my honor on behalf of everyone here and on behalf of the millions of children whose mornings you have brightened with your kindness to present you with this Lifetime Achievement Award 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 ten seconds to think of the people who have helped you become who you are those who have cared about you and wanted what was best for you in life 10 seconds of silence I'll watch the time 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 kind of people television does well to offer our world special thanks to my family and friends and to my co-workers in public broadcasting family communications and this Academy for encouraging me allowing me all these years to be your neighbor they've got you [Applause] you

Channel: The Emmy Awards

Views: 3,457,060

Rating: 4.9738154 out of 5

Keywords: Mr, Rogers, Lifetime, Achievement, Emmy, Awards, Tim, Robbins, emmys, emmy

Id: Upm9LnuCBUM

Length: 3min 12sec (192 seconds)

Published: Wed Mar 26 2008

Reddit Comments

[u/mwright5]

I love how people were tearing up before he even said anything

[u/Whiffster]

Even while accepting a reward for his own achievement, he helps everyone think of their lives, their accomplishments, and their loved ones who helped them along the way. The selflessness of Mr. Rogers is beautiful thing.

[u/freakydrew]

Look up his passionate speech to Congress defending PBS. It's amazing.

[u/midway4669]

We could use another Mr. Rogers for the new generation

[u/Venusaur6504]

If I die with a shred of the character this man had, I’d be ok with how my life turned out.

EDIT: For those interested, The Freg Roger's Center is where anyone that would like the support his legacy can volunteer or contribute: www.fredrogerscenter.org

[u/Occams_ElectricRazor]

This was the best acceptance speech I've ever seen.

[u/Kangar]

I tear up every time I see this clip during the ten seconds.

I also consistently tear up every time I watch Gladiator and I get misty-eyed when I watch The Pinky and the Brain Christmas special.

[u/DenticlesOfTomb]

The power of contemplative silence in our often chaotic world is grossly underappreciated.

[u/Minstrelofthedawn]

This man is absolutely amazing. He was a friend to multiple generations of kids, myself included. If anyone could politely ask a room full of so many people to be silent and have that instruction respectfully followed, of course it would be Fred Rogers.