South Park Street in front of Central High School in Little Rock was renamed as "Little Rock Nine Way" in a ceremony Sunday afternoon.
The program was put on by the city of Little Rock, the Clinton Foundation, and the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
The Little Rock community joined city officials and members of the Little Rock Nine to unveil this new city street.
Students from Little Rock Central High spoke about how the bravery that the Little Rock Nine had 65 years ago still affects them today.
The honorees in attendance had the opportunity to help reveal the new street sign and were honored with speeches and songs.
Little Rock's Mayor Frank Scott Jr. shared why this renaming was so important for the community and the world.
"We pay homage and honor to them for their life and their legacy. And their sacrifice that these ordinary children that just wanted to go to school changed the world," Scott said.
The Little Rock Nine Way street sign will replace the park street sign located right in front of Little Rock Central High School.
After the renaming of the "Little Rock Nine Way," members of the Little Rock Nine, President Bill Clinton, and other invited guests joined for a program commemorating the historic day.
Arkansas dignitaries such as Governor Asa Hutchinson and Mayor Frank Scott Jr. spoke on behalf of Arkansans to honor the sacrifice of these students.
The eight living Little Rock Nine members also spoke sharing what it was like to be in their shoes 65 years ago.
"Yeah we were afraid but we had to learn. We were there to learn. We had to do it. The whole world was counting on us to do it together... For Ernie to graduate... We had to go back. It was hard, we were scared, we couldn't cry... And I tried to just tell her all those very basic things on what it was like for somebody that didn't grow up in having the same rules of behavior that we had..." Gloria Ray Karlmark said.
The members who couldn't be in the state made appearances through video chat to join in remembrance and gratitude for each other and everyone who supports their purpose.
"I would never ever have chosen any than the other 8 to make this journey with. I love you all and you have become like sisters and you have become like sisters and brothers to me. You know there's one scientist who says we are all related.
Five of us are blood kin and it feels like we always were and always will because we all fit together like a puzzle that god in heaven must have put together," Melba Pattillo Beals said.
Ernest Green, known as the leader of the nine, and the first to graduate shared his thoughts as well.
"And although we are reminders... May our triumph be a beacon to others that the pain is worth the progress. President Clinton has said many times, we have a long way to go... But let today be a reminder of when you honor the past
...You shine a light on the darkness that was previously there and you can learn from history," Green said.
Former president Bill Clinton weighed in on how we should view the Little Rock Nine -implementing their values in today's society.
"Well, you think 65 years is a long time? It's the blink of an eye. (pause) and every time we see them and listen to their stories.... (pause)...It should remind us that we all have an obligation to say... 'Hey we are different. But it's our differences that make life special because they are built on our common humanity. Not in spite of it'," Clinton said.
Governor Hutchinson says he believes the Little Rock Nine Memorial facing the capitol is intentional by the sculptor... symbolic of these civil rights leaders keeping an eye on those who practice responsibility in our government.