Asa Hutchinson: “for many people across this country, Little Rock's Central High School brings a searing image to mind when 1,000 armed…”

“for many people across this country, Little Rock's Central High School brings a searing image to mind when 1,000 armed men were forced to escort nine African-American children through the doors of the high school. It is an image in this Nation's past, one of hostility, fear, and resistance to change. However, Madam Speaker, I would suggest that other images survive, too, images of courage, hope, and perseverence; the image of the young Elizabeth Eckford, an image of personal strength and character. I am also inspired by the courage of those students who stood firm in support of their new classmates. As Melba Patillo, another of the students seeking entrance to Central High School said, ``Each time as I was about to give up exhausted from the jeers and insulting remarks, some kind face would come up and say: `I want you here.' '' Madam Speaker, we have not eliminated intolerance in our country, but this weekend, marking the 40th anniversary of the Central High conflict, individuals who once confronted one another during those angry days will come together. Even as I speak, buses filled with a new generation of Freedom Riders from the University of Arkansas are arriving in Little Rock to help shape the united future for our Nation. Madam Speaker, these images all of them should be remembered. They are images of progress.”