It is with great pride we open our city gates to Vice President Joe Biden and his team, as well as the congressional leaders and dignitaries, who will march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

It is also with great pride that we can report to the public the Selma Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Department and the many other law enforcement agencies who are part of this project, have been working tirelessly to ensure that our dignitaries are safe in the small southern city of Selma. This in turn makes us — the guests and spectators at Sunday’s events — feel so safe.

It is no secret the Secret Service is working in conjunction with these departments as well as with other law enforcement teams from around the state, the state law enforcement officers and the federal law officers.

Thousands will gather in downtown Selma to hear what the vice president has to say and we recommend, as it was recommended to us by Selma Police Department officer Lt. John Brock, that if you are not taking part in Jubilee festivities, to avoid the downtown area all together due to high volumes of traffic as well as for security measures.

We want to encourage the visitors to Selma, as well as residents who will be taking part in Sunday’s events, to show respect and take your own security measures. Watch your pockets and belongings and hold your children’s hands to keep them close.

We also ask for patience as those attending events with the vice president. Please arrive early and be prepared to wait. The lines will likely be line as each person is screened. It is for everyone’s safety.

With security in Selma tighter than it has ever been before, we have to endlessly thank our own law enforcement teams within the county and city for being so cooperative and supportive of all needs from the festival as well as the federal security demands.