1957 | Little Rock

Calling in the Troops

Eisenhower supports the students in Little Rock.

WA0137 NL PD

 

LITTLE ROCK ARK SEP 30

THE PRESIDENT

THE WHITE HOUSE

 

WE THE PARENTS OF NINE NEGRO CHILDREN ENROLLED AT LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOUR ACTION IN SAFE GUARDING THEIR RIGHTS HAVE STRENGTHENED OUR FAITH IN DEMOCRACY STOP NOW AS NEVER BEFORE WE HAVE AN ABIDING FEELING OF BELONGING AND PURPOSEFULNESS STOP WE BELIEVE THAT FREEDOM AND EQUALITY WITH WHICH ALL MEN ARE ENDOWED AT BIRTH CAN BE MAINTAINED ONLY THROUGH FREEDOM AND EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR SELF DEVELOPMENT GROWTH AND PURPOSEFUL CITIZENSHIP STOP WE BELIEVE THAT THE DEGREE TO WHICH PEOPLE EVERYWHERE REALIZE AND ACCEPT THIS CONCEPT WILL DETERMINE IN A LARGE MEASURE AMERICAS TRUE GROWTH AND TRUE GREATNESS STOP YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED ADMIRABLY TO US THE NATION AND THE WORLD HOW PROFOUNDLY YOU BELIEVE IN THIS CONCEPT STOP FOR THIS WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL AND RESPECTFULLY EXTEND TO YOU OUR HEARTFELT AND LASTING THANKS STOP MAY THE ALMIGHTY AND ALL WISE FATHER OF US ALL PLEASE GUIDE AND KEEP YOU ALWAYS

About This Text

A telegram sent to President Dwight D. Eisenhower by parents threatened with death if they brought their children to the Little Rock Central High School. Eisenhower sent federal troops to restrain a white, brick-throwing mob. By noon, local police were forced to evacuate the nine students.