Fred Rogers -- Mister Rogers to his millions of adoring fans -- would have turned 80 this year. The beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" debuted his pioneering children's show 40 years ago this week on PBS. It would become the longest-running show on the PBS network.

Although Fred Rogers died in 2003, his neighborhood will never be shuttered thanks to the magic of reruns. New generations of viewers will get to know King Friday, Donkey Hodie and Mr. McFeely just as well as the young at heart did a generation ago.

To commemorate the anniversary, WQED will recreate the studio using the original set pieces where the series was filmed. Tours will be offered this summer and the space will be rechristened the Fred Rogers Studio.

Family-oriented events throughout the city also will take place, including "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" Days in March and ground breaking for the "Tribute to Children" statue of Fred Rogers on the North Shore. These events will coincide with the Pittsburgh 250 birthday celebration.

Fred Rogers was such an inextricable part of the region's identity that, even after his death, we can't imagine celebrating a milestone in the city's history without him.

Forty years of making America's children smile is a significant accomplishment. How could Pittsburgh not pay tribute to its old friend?