LeadAR National Study Tour—Day3

by Derek Ingram, fire marshal/lead inspector, Little Rock Fire Department - September 26, 2025

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025

We started the day full of excitement and anticipation. Our group convened in the hotel lobby to begin our journey to the United States Supreme Court, the highest judicial body in the nation. Established by Article III of the U.S. Constitution, the Supreme Court serves as the final court of appeals for all federal cases and for state cases that involve issues of federal law.

While visiting, I explored the powerful exhibit titled "Integration Must Proceed Forthwith," which chronicles the legal battle for the desegregation of Central High School in Little Rock in 1957. The exhibit was deeply informative and thought-provoking, shedding light on a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement and the role of the Court in enforcing social change.

We also gained insight into the history of the Supreme Court itself, including information about the justices who have served and the lasting impact of their decisions on American society. It was a valuable reminder of the Court's profound influence on our nation's laws and values.

Next, we visited the Library of Congress (LOC) — the largest library in the world and the national library of the United States. It also functions as the main research arm of the U.S. Congress. The LOC is primarily housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill:

• Thomas Jefferson Building

• John Adams Building

• James Madison Memorial Building

A highlight of the visit was going through the process to receive a Library of Congress Reader Identification Card, a wonderful keepsake from our trip.

After lunch on our own, we headed into an afternoon filled with meaningful political engagement. Our first stop was the Cannon House Office Building, where we met briefly with Congressman Bruce Westerman. Although his time was limited due to another engagement, his staff assistant stepped in and provided thoughtful insights, especially on the current state of agriculture and its importance in today's political climate.

Our next scheduled meeting was with Congressman Rick Crawford at the Rayburn House Office Building. Due to a conflicting engagement, we were hosted by James Hodges II, Crawford's senior legislative assistant, who answered our questions and represented the congressman well.

We ended the day with an unforgettable night tour of the U.S. Capitol. Westerman guided us through the building, offering commentary on its stunning architecture, historic rooms, and the stories behind them. His knowledge of the history of our government made the experience both educational and inspiring.