ARLINGTON — The city of Arlington is inviting citizens to visit Olympic Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 20, as Arlington firefighters return home with a precious artifact from the remnants of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The artifact will be driven down Olympic Avenue at 12:30 p.m. to its final home at Firehouse 46, located at 137 N. McLeod Ave.

Four Arlington firefighters traveled across the country to New York City to pick up a piece of the World Trade Center, which will be incorporated in a special memorial at Firehouse 46. They’ve posted the progress of their travels as updates on their Facebook page, “Arlington, WA Fire Dept 9-11 Memorial.”

“Our firefighters have shared their weeklong journey with us,” Arlington Fire Chief Bruce Stedman said. “I want to encourage all of our citizens to come out and wave them home. Let’s show them our town pride and appreciation.”

The artifact will be installed in a fitting memorial to all first responders who have sacrificed their lives while protecting the public’s safety. The Arlington community is currently raising funds to construct the memorial, which is set to be located at Firehouse 46.

The artifact will be unveiled at a special Firehouse 46 dedication and tribute ceremony to honor the fallen of Sept. 11, 2001. The community is invited to attend this ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Firehouse 46, located at 137 N. McLeod Ave. in downtown Arlington.

For more information on how to donate to the memorial project, visit the “Arlington, WA Fire Dept 9-11 Memorial” Facebook page or contact the Arlington Fire Department at 360-403-3600.