Francois Clemmons of ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’ receives DAR Medal of Honor [Video]

A recognizable face, both in the community and on one of the most well-known children’s television shows of all time, received a prestigious award on Friday night.The Vermont State Daughters of the American Revolution, or “DAR,” awarded Dr. Francois Clemmons their Medal of Honor.It’s their highest honor.They choose a recipient that shows extraordinary traits of leadership, trustworthiness, service, and patriotism. “I’m very happy and honored,” Clemmons said. For more than 25 years, Clemmons played the role of “Officer Clemmons” on the PBS program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”His iconic scene where he sits down with Fred Rogers and dips his feet into a children’s pool full of water came five years after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that ended legal segregation.That moment helped spark the conversation of acceptance and friendship between people of different races.”I didn’t want to be Officer Clemmons because police have a very bad, mixed reputation in the …