Pittsburgh Review

Fred Rogers was always known for his kindness and compassion through his role in the popular children’s television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and on his birthday on March 20 Gov. Tom Wolf announced that the fourth annual 1-4-3 Day will take place on Monday, May 23, as Rogers would use 1-4-3 to say “I love you,” with the numbers being the number of letters in each word.

According to a release by Wolf’s office, May 23 is the 143rd day of 2022 and this day is to encourage Pennsylvania residents to show their neighbors kindness, generosity and love. This is a tradition dating back to 2019 to honor Rogers, who was a Pittsburgh native. 

“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to join in this tradition, and they don’t have to wait for 1-4-3 Day to show compassion and generosity to others, particularly with recent world events,” said Gov. Wolf. “1-4-3 Day is just one moment in time that we can practice the kindness and gratitude that are integral to the spirit in all Pennsylvanians.”

Wolf urges all Pennsylvania residents to do a good deed for someone in their life on this day that is extra special. This could be a neighbor, a stranger or another in need. Another recommendation from the Wolf Administration is to consider supporting humanitarian relief in Ukraine as the Quaker state is the home of 122,000 Ukrainians making it the second most of any state in the nation. Non-profit organizations that could use assistance include UNICEF USA, the International Committee of the Red Cross, United Way’s United for Ukraine, Americares and the UN Refugee Agency.

“With everything happening globally, we hope 1-4-3 Day inspires more generosity, more neighborliness, and more fellowship wherever kindness is needed,” said Carrie Fischer Lepore, Deputy Secretary, Office of Marketing, Tourism, and Film for the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. “There is plenty of time to plan wonderful intentional acts of kindness in our workplaces, schools, communities and beyond.”

For ideas of how to celebrate 1-4-3 Day log onto pa.gov/143-day or follow visitPA on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #143PA.