We all saw them.

Some wore suits and slacks, while others opted more a more casual look, but they all crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge Sunday during the Bridge Crossing Jubilee.

Hotels were full and some business saw increased traffic. There is no definitive way to measure the Jubilee’s ecomnomic empact until tax revenue collections are final.

Some in Selma tout this year’s event as one of the largest Bloody Sunday commemorations ever. We’re unsure about the scope of the 2014 celebration in comparison to past years, but it certainly provided a large boost to our city’s population for a few, brief hours.

Sam Walker may have been one of the more visible organizers of the jubilee, but there are numerous others that were equally as important. To all the organizers, we owe a debt of gratitude.

As city officials and others prepare to determine the relative success of this year’s event. We cannot forget the 50th anniversary will certainly be of much larger scope. Rumors swirl around our city about the possible attendees. With a concerted, unified effort, all of the rumors are possible.

Though it’s important to analyze the past to see areas that can be improved. Our entire city’s efforts should shift toward what is undoubtedly going to be the most significant historical year in decades — 2015 is the 50th anniversary for Bloody Sunday, 150th for the Battle of Selma and the 75th for the Edmund Pettus Bridge. An effective effort would tie in all of these events to ensure our city’s unofficial slogan — from civil war to civil rights — rings true.