Liberty Memorial flame to stay ablaze

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The eternal flame atop the Liberty Memorial will continue burning thanks to a successful financial campaign. National World War I Museum officials said Thursday that the Save the Flame campaign received more than $60,000 for operating costs, exceeding the needed $45,000. The 217-foot memorial has towered over Kansas City since the 1920s. But officials at the National World War I Museum had decided to turn off the steam used to give the tower its glow after the city announced $620,000 in recent budget cuts. Pioneer Services, a company providing financial serves and education to military members and families, financed the flame for more than a month. It also matched contributions up to $22,500. Liberty Memorial spokeswoman Denise Rendina says the museum will continue to donations for... [read full story]