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Columbia Missourian

Liberty Memorial flame to stay lit

By The Associated Press
July 3, 2008 | 11:07 p.m. CDT

KANSAS CITY — The 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 accept donations for the flame.