U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige today issued the following statement on the death of Bob Keeshan:

"Another advocate for quality children's programming has left us, and we are again saddened by the loss. Bob Keeshan, or 'Captain Kangaroo,' was a television pioneer who touched the lives of millions of children for more than 30 years on the air. Captain Kangaroo was an inspiration to all children and made learning fun. When children watched his show, they were engaged in literature, arts, science and music. He was driven to see children learn, and he will be sorely missed.

"Even after his show went off the air in 1985, Captain Kangaroo stayed active publicly, writing books, lecturing and lobbying on the behalf of children's issues. His advocacy for children and good parenting made a difference in our society.

"My heart goes out to his family, friends and the millions of people who were moved by his loving heart and his desire to teach."

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