Arlington, Washington, is set to unveil a memorial this Memorial Day to honor their own fallen heroes of the recent conflicts that have stained the pages of history following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The names of 18 Snohomish County residents, who paid the ultimate price during military operations post-9/11, will be etched onto a new plaque. This tribute is to join a sculpture near the Global War on Terror Veterans Bridge—a key landmark since its 2022 dedication.
Officials plan to hold a ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on May 27, 2024, a day of remembrance, to acknowledge those who risked all to preserve American freedoms. The site is situated on the north side of the bridge, a serene spot on the edge of the Stillaguamish River, chosen as a fitting place for community members to gather, to solemnly remember, to quietly reflect. "For those 18 residents who perished and their families, we will be forever grateful for their ultimate sacrifice. Our country and community are safer because of them," said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, as per an official statement.
The county's new memorial is unique, being the first in Snohomish County specifically honoring those who fell in the ongoing efforts against global terrorism since the fateful fall of the Twin Towers. It is proudly placed along the Centennial Trail, a haven not just for the weary, but also for those seeking to connect with the legacy of service members who've walked the patrolled paths far from home.
“This plaque builds on the memorial honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror. We owe it to those brave individuals who sacrificed so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today," Snohomish County Council Vice-Chair Nate Nehring was quoted as saying. The effort to create such a memorial has been a collective endeavor, one formed through the partnership of county leadership, the local arts commission, the City of Arlington, and others.
The Snohomish County Parks system, renowned for its scenic beauty and breadth of recreational spaces, spanning over 11,000 acres and hosting multitude of trails and parks, will now also serve as a permanent reminder of the local heroes and their undying spirit of patriotism.
