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Excitement building for Central High School Commemoration

Eight of the Little Rock Nine are still alive and are scheduled to be in Little Rock for commemoration.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) -- Excitement is building for the events surrounding the 60th anniversary of the integration of Little Rock Central High School.

Events include a 3D light show and a concert at the Robinson Center. Organizers of the event hope to show the nation the progress Central High School has made in 60 years.

Hitting the right note and bringing two choirs together, all part of a bigger celebration that will highlight the historic events at Little Rock Central High and the progress that's been made since according to Darius Nelson, Music Minister at St. Mark Baptist Church.

"So, we're preparing our interfaith choir, our St. Mark choir and the First United Methodist Church. We've combined our choirs to celebrate and do the music for the gala on Saturday and the interfaith service on Sunday evening," Nelson said.

At the visitor's center located just across the street from Central High, Chief of Interpretation for the National Historic Site, David Kilton said his staff is staying busy.

"It's been kind of a whirlwind, but a lot of fun and excitement," Kilton said.

The four day event will kick-off on Friday September 22 with special screening of a film on the life of Thurgood Marshall.

"There's a new Hollywood film that will be out in theaters October 13. We're premiering it here right here in Little Rock. That will be at the Ron Robinson Theatre," he said.

The events will continue throughout the weekend with the official commemoration taking place Monday September 25 with keynote speaker President Bill Clinton.

"It's commemorating something that's very hard to talk about, but knowing that story is so important," said Kilton.

Eight of the Little Rock Nine are still alive and are scheduled to be in Little Rock for commemoration. For a full list of events click here.

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