If there was ever a cause to celebrate in this city, this is it.

After so many years of wishing and hoping, fighting for funding then finally ponying up the fare, the mighty behemoth known as the Green Line Extension project will gingerly dip its toe into the waters of Somerville when the first maiden voyage takes place on March 21 in Union Square.

It’s one small step – or dip – to be sure. The remaining stops along the way through Somerville and Medford will be rolling out their red – or should we say green – carpets throughout the remainder of the year, if the prognostications of the project’s managers are truthful – and they actually know what they’re talking about.

But the grand debut this month in Union Square will nonetheless be a much-welcomed event. A payoff of sorts, since all of us have had a stake in it to the tune of paying our share in taxes and putting up with the inconveniences of its construction. We deserve a little hoopla and hoorah when the glorious green gremlin finally wend its way into town. They should christen the thing with a bottle of Aeronaut Hop Hop and Away.

All kidding aside, it’s really nice seeing this thing finally coming to completion. Whether one is a supporter of the project or a detractor, it’s still good to know we’ve just about taken it all the way down the line to its final destination.

We will be better off for it, in many different ways. It’s been a long time coming, and it’s high time we get on board and enjoy the ride, now that we can.