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"The word 'I' has one letter, 'love' has four, and 'you' has three. That's how 143 came to mean 'I love you,'"
This quote from Fred Rogers has become a lasting emblem of his legacy. The number 143, his heartfelt code for "I love you," is embraced by a charity inspired by him and was highlighted in the documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? Now, Pennsylvania has officially recognized Mister Rogers' cherished number with its own holiday.
According to Philly Voice, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has proclaimed May 23 as 143 Day. Rogers, born in Westmoreland County near Pittsburgh, spent his entire life in the region. The 143 Day campaign aims to encourage residents to embody kindness toward their neighbors on May 23 and throughout the year, honoring the beloved Pennsylvanian.
The campaign motivates schools, businesses, and individuals to post their kind deeds on social media using the hashtag #143DayinPA. A "kindness tracker" on the initiative's website monitors the hashtag's usage, with over 6000 acts of kindness already shared. For those unsure how to celebrate Mister Rogers' legacy, the campaign offers a "kindness generator" to provide thoughtful suggestions.
For Fred Rogers, 143 wasn't just a playful phrase—it was a meaningful number he integrated into his daily life. The beloved TV host even maintained his weight at 143 pounds by swimming daily, making the number a personal symbol of his values.
