Nine African American students, known as the Little Rock Nine, were blocked from entering Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Despite a Supreme Court ruling for desegregation, the governor of Arkansas ordered the National Guard to prevent their entry. This event became a major symbol of the Civil Rights Movement and federal intervention was eventually required to enforce desegregation.

TODAY’S PATRIOT

Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890–1969) – Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II, Eisenhower oversaw the D-Day invasion and was instrumental in defeating Nazi Germany. As the 34th President, he maintained peace during the Cold War and built America’s infrastructure through the Interstate Highway System. Eisenhower warned against the rise of the military-industrial complex while promoting science education in response to the Soviet space threat. His steady leadership and military service earned him the respect of both parties and left a legacy of strength and stability.

Though a career soldier, Eisenhower detested war and took the decision to launch D-Day with grave seriousness. The night before the invasion, he drafted a message accepting full responsibility for failure, should the mission go awry. “If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt, it is mine alone,” he wrote. Thankfully, the message was never needed, but it remains a powerful testament to his humility and leadership.