HIGHLAND – Standing 212 feet above the water, spanning a mile and a quarter, the Walkway Over the Hudson united the eastern and western banks of the Hudson River, while linking the past, the present, and the future of New York State. As the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, the Walkway was touted by leaders from Ulster County, Albany, and Washington D.C., as the next step in revitalizing the Hudson Valley

. "This is one of those moments that is historical, and oftentimes when people are participating in it, they're unaware of just how historical this is," said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. "It's a beautiful, beautiful project. The exciting part is that this is much more than just a bridge; it's really a symbolic bridge, connecting the two counties, but much more than that, also connecting the region, making it so that we can all find a way to work more closely together for the betterment of the people we all serve.

"Our great hope is that this draws tourism from a worldwide audience, because of the kind of very unique project that it is, and what that can mean for not only the Town of Lloyd, the City of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess and Ulster County, but also the entire region. We're very excited."

The opening ceremonies were preceded by remarks from Governor David Paterson, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Congressman Maurice Hinchey, all of whom in turn praised Rob Dyson of the Dyson Foundation, and Fred Schaeffer, the chairman of the Walkway Over the Hudson's board, for their efforts to make the project a reality. The $38.8 million project — which was finished on-time and on-budget, as pointed out by New York State Parks and Recreation Commissioner Carol Ash —is also the newest addition to the United States Park System.

The festivities of the day included participation from the different communities in both Dutchess and Ulster Counties, including representation from Ellenville, Wawarsing, Rochester, and Pine Bush, to name a few. The towns and villages constructed emblems and 25 flags to represent their communities, and they were included in a parade that saw both counties cross each other on the walkway.

Organized by Iris Friedman, Ellenville and Wawarsing brought about 35 people to the site via bus, generously donated by Rolling V. Local artist Joyce Kalish created Ellenville and Wawarsing's flags and emblems, and local community leaders and residents carried them through the parade: Mayor Jeff Kaplan, Supervisor Ed Jennings, Village Trustees Patty Steinhoff and Efrain Lopez, Village Manager Mary Sheeley, Ray and Aileen Matthews, School Superintendent Lisa Wiles, and many others were there to show their hometown pride.

Additionally, Town of Rochester Supervisor Carl Chipman and Town Council member Manuela Mihailescu hoisted the flags of their town in the parade. According to Chipman, the town's emblem was painted by local artist Mera Feeny, and the flags were mostly constructed by fourth grade students in the Rondout Valley School District.

Pine Bush's flags and emblem celebrated its status as the East Coast's UFO capital, and was made by a local artist who is known as Meadow.

Despite the fact that the parade started a bit late and necessitated a bit more standing than marching, spirits stayed high, and the sun even made an appearance as the parade got underway, breaking through the clouds on what had first been a cloudy day of drizzle.

After all the pomp and circumstance, parades and marching bands, perhaps Ulster County Undersheriff Frank Faluotico puts it best, saying of the walkway, "It's a nice place to come for an afternoon stroll."