Governor Tom Wolf is calling upon Pennsylvanians to join the Philadelphia Phillies, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and schools, businesses and organizations in celebrating “1-4-3 Day” on May 23 by spreading kindness in honor of Fred Rogers, who used the numbers 1-4-3 to represent the letters in “I love you.” May 23 is the 143rd day of the year.
Gov. Wolf encouraged individual Pennsylvanians to R.S.V.P. here for 1-4-3 Day and invite their friends to join them.
“Pennsylvania is a commonwealth founded in kindness, and I invite everyone to join me in finding small ways to make others happy on 1-4-3 Day,” said Gov. Wolf. “I’m thrilled we have already a great response to the announcement of this event, and I hope the momentum grows and we launch a movement with the kindness we show on May 23.”
To celebrate 1-4-3 Day, First Lady Frances Wolf will read “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” an illustrated collection of Fred Rogers’ poetry and song lyrics, to schoolchildren. The book’s publisher, Philadelphia-based Quirk Books, will provide giveaways themed for Fred Rogers and his beloved television character, Mister Rogers. Quirk Books has also produced a free activity guide with ideas for sharing kindness.
Other schools, businesses and organizations have committed to activities sharing kindness in honor of 1-4-3 Day, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Philadelphia Phillies and Steel City Brand.
“Since announcing this event, we’ve experienced an outpouring of support and questions on how people can get involved,” said Carrie Lepore, Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Marketing, Tourism and Film. “I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to buy someone a coffee, write a thank-you note or just share a smile. A little kindness can go a long way.”
