Millions of us grew up watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” when we were children. The program ran for 33 years and taught us numerous important lessons about life.

From 1968 until 2001, Fred Rogers appeared on our television screens in his sweaters delivering important messages to children all over the nation.

Rogers sadly passed away in February of 2003 after a battle with cancer, but a few weeks before his death, he went on television one last time to deliver a powerful message to everyone who grew up watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

“I know how tough it is some days to look with hope and confidence on the months and years ahead, but I would like to tell you what I often told you when you were much younger. I like you just the way you are,” Rogers said. “And what’s more, I’m so grateful to you for helping the children in your life to know that you’ll do everything you can to keep them safe. And to help them express their feelings in ways that will bring healing in many different neighborhoods. Its such a good feeling to know that we’re lifelong friends.”

In a time of so much division and anger in our country right now, this is a message that we need now more than ever. We would all do well to live our lives a little more like Mr. Rogers taught us to, and to focus on loving and accepting one another despite our differences rather than dividing ourselves even more. Watch Mr. Rogers’ goodbye message for yourself below.