Get Your Loafers Ready for "Sweater Day," Tribute to Mr. Rogers

The beloved children's television icon Fred Rogers, who was known as simply Mr. Rogers to several generations of kids, will be given a worthy tribute on what would have been his 80th birthday.

March 20th, 2008 is being called "Sweater Day" in honor of Rogers, who is known for the trademark cardigan sweater that he would put on (along with his loafers) at the beginning of each episode of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Rogers died of cancer five years ago. The idea is to get people everywhere to don their favorite sweater on March 20th.

Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood first aired Feb. 19, 1968, 40 years ago last week.

David Newell, who played the deliveryman Mr. McFeely on the TV show, is the public relations director for Family Communications, Inc., the nonprofit company that Fred Rogers founded more than 35 years ago.

Sweater Day will be part of a bigger celebration in Pittsburgh, the hometown of Rogers. The city is celebrating its 250th anniversary and will host the first "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" Days March 15 - 20.