Everyone who spoke, from the master of ceremonies, Steve Bell, chairman of the Yuma Crosssing National Heritage Area Corporation, to the mayor Larry Nelson, the outgoing congressman Ed Pastor and the incoming Raul Grijalva, spoke of how this project, ten years in the making so far, has come about because of a partnership from many different organizations. They stressed, too, the importance of much volunteer efforts, as well as paid contributors.

Also, representatives of both the National Park Service and the Arizona State Parks gave their speeches, as well. Karen Wade, Director of the Inter-Mountain NPS region raised her hat to our cities efforts.