On September 25, 1957 nine black students were escorted by the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army through the entrance of Little Rock Central High School to attend their first day of class. As they entered the school, they were not only taking the first steps in the fight to integrate the public school system, they changed the educational landscape of America.

Fifty years ago, the nine students who integrated Central High School were: Thelma Mothershed, Minnijean Brown, Terrence Roberts, Melba Pattillo Beals, Jefferson Thomas, Gloria Ray, Elizabeth Eckford, Carlotta Walls and Ernest Green.  Today they are being honored not only for their courage to make school a place where all students can learn, but also for their determination to act as a catalyst for social change.

Throughout history, progress has been made by trailblazers who refuse to accept complacency and insist on action. The Little Rock Nine helped America take one of the most dramatic steps toward equality in our nation's history.  As we commemorate this event, we must never forget the sacrifices of these individuals, who in the wisdom of their youth, knew the color of one's skin should not stand in the way of opportunity.  As the next generation inherits what we leave behind, we must ensure they understand that tolerance and compassion are essential to preserving the dignity and humanity of mankind.