A Kansas Town Honors NYC Firefighters | Lawrence News

In the quiet town of Anthony, Kansas, a powerful friendship with New York City firefighters was born from tragedy—and grew into something extraordinary. After 9/11, the town raised over $80,000 to build a memorial using steel from the Twin Towers, stone from the Pentagon, and soil from Shanksville. What started as a heartfelt gesture evolved into annual visits, shared hunts, and deep bonds—with firefighters like Lt. James Beltrami now calling Anthony home away from home. It all began when the mayor mistakenly reached out to a firehouse, sparking an unlikely connection when a third-grade class adopted them, sending letters and drawings that moved them to tears. Today, the memorial stands not just as a tribute, but as a sanctuary for first responders seeking peace and remembrance. This story proves that even across thousands of miles, compassion can bridge divides—and turn grief into enduring community. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/a1f2e175a1c2d909