9-11 MEMORIAL OF KANSAS

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Hello and Welcome to the home of Kansas' Official Sept. 11 Memorial in Anthony, Ks.

Our memorial has been erected to the memory of those true patriots who gave their lives during this horrific tragedy in NYC, Washington D.C. and a field near Shanksville, Pa, and to honor those left behind. The memorial is about ordinary people who met extraordinary challenges, working together to make a difference across our nation, and in the lives of one hero firefighter's family. It tells the story of the connection between a small farming community of 2300 people in south-central Kansas, fallen firefighter Joseph P. Spor, Jr. and his brothers at Engine 88, Ladder 38 FDNY, and Rescue 3.

Even though Anthony, Kansas is hundreds of miles from the 3 crash sites, we felt their shock, horror and pain of Sept. 11, 2001. The people of Anthony wanted to do something to help that would make a difference. After contacting several agencies, our mayor at the time, John Schott, finally connected with a firehouse in the Bronx that had been devastated with many losses. He asked if they could help our small community locate one family that had lost a loved one that might need some immediate outside assistance. Joe Huber, at Engine 88, Ladder Company 38, told the mayor about his friend and co-worker, Joe Spor. He said Joe was 35 yrs. old, had a beautiful wife, Colleen, and had 4 children, the oldest was 6 and the youngest was 6 months old. Joe Spor lost his life helping others to safety on 9-11-2001 at the World Trade Center. The people from Anthony "adopted" this family.

In March of 2002, Joe Huber came to Anthony from the Bronx, representing FDNY Engine 88, Ladder Company 38, to personally thank its citizens and to meet the people who have been so kind to his "brother's" family. He was so gracious to visit the schools and meet the children who had sent gifts, cards, pictures and emails to the firehouse and to the Spor family. On this visit, Joe Huber brought a piece of glass and other artifacts to show the students. It was on this trip that the idea of Anthony obtaining some WTC steel was discussed. Mayor Schott mentioned to him that he would like some steel from the World Trade Center to make a permanent memorial to the victims and heroes of September 11 and Anthony’s response to that tragedy. After many emails and phone calls between Anthony and New York, a man in the NYC Mayor's office said we would get our steel, but the steel had to be picked up in Brooklyn in 4 days. Without any funds, and on such a short deadline, Schott, the local True Value Hardware Store owner, picked up the phone and made several more calls. He ended up speaking to the CEO of True Value. She said that Anthony sounded like a wonderful, caring place of generous people and that the company would gladly pick up the steel in Brooklyn and deliver it to Anthony at no charge. After a couple more phone calls to the True Value trucking managers in Allenstown, Pennsylvania and Kansas City, the arrangements were all in order. On October 23, 2002 the True Value truck pulled up behind the store carrying their weekly order and a very special delivery from the City of New York.

Mayor Schott organized a committee of volunteers with various talents and they were asked to design the right memorial out of this steel from the rubble of the World Trade Center. The memorial they designed and created was to honor not only the victims and heroes of that horrendous attack, but also the triumph of the American spirit as Anthony responded with compassion, resolve, and care. And as a gift, it was to be built without tax monies. The memorial's original figures ran in the vicinity of $40,000 and the committee had to use private and corporate donations and money received from a variety of fundraisers. Little did they know at the time, the cost of the structure itself would be more than double that figure.

In the early planning stages, the Anthony 9-11 Memorial was the recipient of many nice newspaper articles. There were articles from the Kansas City Star, The Hutchinson News, The Wichita Eagle, Kansas Government Journal, & The New York Daily News. Even a national team from FOX News did a beautiful television story that aired the night of the memorial's dedication on Sept. 11, 2004.

After hearing about our endeavor, Mr. Shane Gentry, a WTC survivor from Shawnee, Kansas, drove over 250 miles to attend our Ground-breaking Ceremony. He spoke of his experiences that day and how it had affected him. He said when he returned to his hotel room that day, he knew that the ashes from his clothing would be something he needed to keep. He opened a newspaper he had read that morning and then shook the ashes from his clothing to save. He wondered later what he would do with them. Shane returned to NYC to the one year commemoration of the Attacks on America. While there, he gathered some soil from the site of the WTC to save with the ashes from the year before. When Shane read about the Anthony 9-11 Memorial he knew then where they belonged. He sifted the soil from the WTC site and ashes collected from his clothing into the warm Kansas earth, and mixed it with the soil that would soon hold the Anthony 9-11 Memorial. His actions prompted the committee to try to obtain some artifacts from the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania crash site of United Flight 93, to add to our WTC steel.

The Pentagon agreed to release a 250-pound block of limestone from the facing of the wall that was hit by the terrorists. The numbers cut into the block identifies exactly where the stone was located on a map at the Pentagon. Col. Michael Fergason delivered it to Anthony on July 15, 2004.

The Flight 93 Memorial Committee and the Families of Flight 93 sent some soil and ashes from the area of the Pennsylvania crash site. It arrived mid August 2004.

Both of these additions, along with the WTC steel we received, completed the purpose of the memorial: to tell the story of 9-11 and the response of a small town far removed from the attack sites, and to honor ALL the heroes we lost that day.

This image, taken by Harper Co. Sheriff Deputy Kenny Hodson, shows how the memorial appears at night. Beams of light illuminate the three panels as well as the World Trade Center steel and the 3 flags. "Twin Towers of light", that do not show up this photo, shoot directly toward the heavens from behind the 2 limestone pillars located between the flag poles, in tribute to the twin towers.

Please take the time to browse through our many pages and links. Watch the memorial grow from an open space in a corner of Memorial Park to the completed tribute to the heroes of 9-11. Read the 3 large bronze plaques that tell the story not only of what happened that day, but how this town in Kansas, along with our nation, and the rest of the world, reacted. Click on our Memorial Dedication link and see the many local area emergency units who marched in our "PARADE OF HEROES" and who were honored with the dedication of the memorial. The Wichita Fire Department Honor Guard asked to come and be a part of our ceremony. Firefighters from New York, Kansas and Oklahoma marched together as one. The support of the community was amazing. Everyone was involved, right down to the school children, leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The Anthony Fire Dept. cooked hot dogs and hamburgers donated by the area grocers and livestock producers. Follow the links to the transcripts of the Kansas Legislature that designated that the Anthony 9-11 Memorial was the official 9-11 memorial for the state. Read the governor's official statement about our memorial on March 28, 2006.

Meet a few of the FDNY firefighters who came to help in the memorial dedication on Sept. 2004. Some of them return annually to visit the memorial and their new friends. They also join some of the local firefighters to spend some time deer hunting. Several other FDNY firefighters have come to see the memorial and read the names of their fallen "brothers" on the bricks. When two of the men came to Anthony in the spring of 2008, we actually asked them to lay the engraved memorial bricks we had ready to go. Included in these bricks was the brick of a young man from Anthony who had given his life in Iraq. Another brick was for a FDNY firefighter that they knew and also know his family.

This connection has not stopped with the memorial. Many people from Anthony have visited New York for the first time, and while they were there, they made sure to stop by to see their extended family at Engine 88, Ladder 38. A bond has formed between the two communities; so different in many ways, but so much alike in others. We are a family.

We'd like to invite you to come to Anthony. The map below shows where Anthony is located.

Never Forget September 11, 2001

If we don't do this correctly - if we let some minor memorial be dwarfed by office space - people a hundred years from now will say this generation did not understand the significance of that world-altering day. Sept. 11 must not lose its resonance as time dulls the sharp edges our collective memory. Ground zero is the site of the worst attack in the history of our country. I pray it will be the worst attack in the history of this country a hundred years from now. Done correctly, a memorial will inspire people. It should not symbolize the loss of our world before Sept. 11 or of an America that no longer exists. It should symbolize our survival and our triumph.

Rudolph Giuliani,

Mayor of NY 1994-2001

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September 11 Memorial Anthony, Kansas

We have not forgotten; We will never forget; We will always care.

A tribute to the Heroes of 9-11.

What a wonderful day we had! A flag-lined Memorial Park was the setting for the 10th anniversary of the tragedies on Sept. 11,2001. We had great weather, great entertainment, and a park full of friends and family. I'm trying to get through all the photos that I took as well as others that were taken by our guests and will get them posted to this site as soon as I can.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to our FDNY visitors, Lt. Jim Beltrami, Capt. Rich Kirschner and Jim McSwigin (ret.) Fire Marshall who have given their unending support and generosity to help us make what our memorial is today. We can never repay you for all you have done for us.

We really appreciate David Mardis, of Caldwell, Ks. being our guest speaker. David was a FEMA worker at Ground Zero and shared his experience with us.

Thank you to all those who came to share your day with us. Each and every one of you made the occasion special for us. We could never have done this without the support of our community and our families.

Update: Lt. Joe Huber, FDNY and Capt. Ray Wynn (ret.) of KCFD visited the memorial on Sept. 30th, since they were not able to attend the services on the 10th. Thanks to both for all their support from day 1 to the Anthony 9-11 Memorial.

Thanks to Susan Orsbon for the beautiful photo of the World Trade Center steel.

Kansas 9-11 Memorial Committee: Donna Crowe, Chairman; Members: Shirley Barrett, Sam Beam, Cynda Carr, Howard Hatfield, Debbie Mangen & Pam Schott.

9-11 event volunteers: Tammy Ward, Larry & Jane Whisman, Anthony Girl Scouts, Anthony Fire Department, Anthony Kiwanis Club, Rev. Mary Hixson, Rev. Mike McAbee, Assembly of God Church, Rolly Williams, Shawn Catlin, Leigh Schreiner, Debbie Hatfield, Dennis Robinson, Don Gebers, Lauren Hatfield and Haley Dodgen, Chaparral Singers, Chaparral's Drumline, Atmos Energy, Anthony Farmers' Co-op, Home Lumber and Supply, Gene's Grocery, ALCO, Larry's IGA & USD #361.

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Meet Joseph P. Spor

Bronx Firefighter

For Joe Spor, who was assigned to Rescue 3 just three weeks before his death, working there was the culmination of a lifelong dream. He had entered the New York City Fire Department seven years earlier, but at Rescue 3 was joining the company where his father, Joe Sr., a retired lieutenant, had served. An expert carpenter, Joe, 35, also was known for his easy going demeanor and love of music.

From the Discovery Channel website: NEW YORK FIREFIGHTERS, THE BROTHERHOOD OF SEPT. 11th The Fallen Firefighters of Rescue Company 3.

Even though Anthony, Kansas is hundreds of miles from New York City, Washington D.C. and a field in western Pennsylvania, we felt their shock, horror and pain of Sept. 11, 2001. The people of Anthony wanted to do something to help that would make a difference. Our mayor, John Schott, contacted several agencies before finally connecting with a firehouse in the Bronx that had been devastated with many losses. He asked if they could help our small community locate one family that had lost a loved one that might need some immediate outside assistance. Joe Huber, at Engine 88, Ladder Company 38, told the mayor about his friend and co-worker, Joe Spor.

He said Joe was 35 yrs. old, had a beautiful wife, Colleen, and had 4 children, the oldest was 6 and the youngest was 6 months old. Spor had just begun a remodeling project on their home before he rushed to the World Trade Center in Rescue 3 that day. Joe Huber continued by saying the firefighters from the firehouse where he worked stepped in and were finishing the remodeling for the family, but they could use financial help to get the job done. The people from Anthony "adopted" this family and have sent tokens of our love to them over the period of time, and continue to do so now.

In March of 2002, Joe Huber came to Anthony from the Bronx, representing Engine 88, Ladder Company 38, to personally thank its citizens and to meet the people who have been so kind to his brother's family. He was so gracious to visit the schools and meet the children who has sent gifts, cards, pictures and emails to the firehouse and to the Spor family. Joe explained during an assembly the school had for him and our local firefighters, that all firefighters are in a brotherhood, they feel as if each and every firefighter is their brother or sister. The students in Ms. Carr's and Mrs. Beam's classes had composed 2 computer slide shows set to music to honor the brave men and women and to thank them for their commitment to their communities by serving as firefighters. Joe Huber also visited Friendship Meals to visit with the senior citizens and was presented with a gift from a retired volunteer firefighter from Anthony. Before he left town he made his way up and down our small Main St. to meet and thank as many of the business owners as he could.The Anthony Volunteer Fire & Rescue Firefighters had a gathering for him and Huber shared some NYC caps and T-shirts with them before he left.

In November 2002, Mayor John Schott, his wife Pam and son Joseph, flew to New York, as the guests of Joe Huber and his family, to meet the family of Joseph Spor, and to visit the site of the World Trade Center tragedy. They brought back many pictures and stories of their trip and shared them with the community in John's weekly column, From the Mayor, in the Anthony Republican, the local newspaper. (John has given his permission to include his words on this tribute page to Joseph Spor. To read these columns). While they were there, the fire house where Joe Spor and Joe Huber worked, treated the Schott family to a special dinner, inviting the wife and children of Joe Spor, and also his father, Joseph Spor, Sr., sisters and their children.

The culmination of this connection has led to a Sept. 11 Memorial being erected in Memorial Park and is scheduled for dedication Sept. 11, 2004.

To visit Joe's Engine 88, Ladder Company 38.

To visit the homepage and tribute pages of Engine 88, Ladder Company 38, http://www.engine88ladder38.com/Links.htm, and http://www.engine88ladder38.com/Memorial.htm.

To view the Rescue 3 official tribute go http://www.fdnyrescue3.com/911/spor.html

http://www.fdnyrescue3.com/indextwo.html

A special bond has been formed between one small Kansas farming community and the family and friends of one colossal human being, Joseph Spor, Jr. He will not be forgotten.

Thank you for viewing Joe Spor's page. Each time it is visited, he is remembered.

Go to the Anthony 9-11 Memorial site.

The Change

One hand

Reaches out

And pulls a lost soul from harm

While a thousand more go unspoken for

They say what good have you done

By saving just this one

It's like whispering a prayer

In the fury of a storm

And I hear them saying you'll never change things

And no matter what you do it's still the same thing

But it's not the world that I am changing

I do this so this world will know

That it will not change me

This heart

Still believes

The love and mercy still exist

While all the hatred rage and so many say

That love is all but pointless in madness such as this

It's like trying to stop a fire

With the moisture from a kiss

And I hear them saying you'll never change things

And no matter what you do it's still the same thing

But it's not the world that I am changing

I do this so this world will know

That it will not change me

As long as one heart still holds on

Then hope is never really gone

I hear them saying you'll never change things

And no matter what you do it's still the same thing

But it's not the world that I am changing

I do this so this world we know

Never changes me

What I do is so

This world will know

That it will not change me.

THE CHANGE

Song Written By: Tony Arata & Wayne Tester

Made popular by Garth Brooks

Produced By: Allen Reynolds

Published By: Little Tybee Music/Forerunner Music, Inc. (ASCAP)/MCA Music

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Firefighters' Honor Roll

All fire and rescue units listed have donated or have been sponsored by donors for memorial bricks in the Anthony Sept. 11 Memorial. Funds raised by the sale of bricks go to the building of the memorial, which was dedicated to all the heroes of 9-11-01 on Sept. 11, 2004. They have our utmost respect and gratitude.

ANTHONY VOLUNTEER FIRE & RESCUE
ANTHONY POLICE DEPARTMENT
ARGONIA FIRE DEPARTMENT
ARMA CRAWFORD CO. DIST. 2 FIRE DEPARTMENT
ATTICA FIRE DEPARTMENT
ATTICA POLICE DEPARTMENT
BARBER CO. RFD #1 STATION 2 - HAZELTON
BARBER CO. RFD #1 STATION 3 - KIOWA
CALDWELL FIRE DEPARTMENT
CHENEY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
CLAFLIN VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
COPELAND FIRE DEPARTMENT
DERBY VOL. FIRE DEPT. STATION #1
DERBY VOL. FIRE DEPT. STATION #2
EL DORADO FIRE FIGHTERS
ELLINWOOD FIRE DEPARTMENT
ELLSWORTH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
EMERGENCY FIRE EQUIPMENT
GALVA FIRE AND RESCUE
GREENSBURG FIRE DEPT GREENSBURG, KS
HARPER CO. EMS
HARPER COUNTY 911 COMMUNICATION CENTER
HARPER COUNTY DETENTION CENTER
HARPER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
HARPER POLICE DEPARTMENT

HARPER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
HOLYROOD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
JOHNSON CO. KS FIRE CHIEFS ASSN
TRUCK 5 KCFD
RESCUE 11 KCFD
PUMPER 18 KCFD
KANSAS STATE ASSOC. OF FIRE CHIEFS
KIOWA KS. FIRE AND RESCUE
LEAWOOD'S FIREMEN ASSOCIATION
LIBERTY TWP FIRE DEPT. NASHVILLE, KS
MANCHESTER, OK. VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
MARION VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
MONTEZUMA FIRE DEPARTMENT
MULVANE EMERGENCY SERVICES
OCFD #1 CARBONDALE
OSAWATOMIE VOL. FIRE DEPARTMENT
SABETHA FIRE DEPARTMENT
STRANGER TWP VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
SUMNER CO. FIRE DIST. #8 MAYFIELD, KS
TONGANOXIE TWP RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENT
TREGO CO. RURAL FIRE DEPT. & RESCUE
VALLEY CENTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

WHITE CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
PFD 343
NYPD TRANSIT
TRANSIT BUS UNIT
NYPD BOMB SQUAD
NYC LOCAL 854
NYPD 6TH PRECINCT
NYPD 13TH PRECINCT
NYPD 040 PRECINCT
FDNY RESCUE 1
FDNY RESCUE 3
FDNY RESCUE 4
ACADEMY VIDEO UNIT FDNY
ENGINE 22 FDNY
ENGINE 33 FDNY
ENGINE 40 FDNY
ENGINE 53 FDNY
ENGINE 83 FDNY
ENGINE 88 FDNY
ENGINE 205 FDNY
ENGINE 226 FDNY
LADDER 2 FDNY
LADDER 9 FDNY
LADDER 13 FDNY
LADDER 25 FDNY
LADDER 35 FDNY
LADDER 38 FDNY
LADDER 166 FDNY
LADDER 105 BROOKLYN
FDNY BATTALION 12
ESU1 NYPD
ESU2 NYPD
ESU3 NYPD
ESU4 NYPD
ESU7 NYPD
ESU8 NYPD
ESU10 NYPD
LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPT.

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Buy a Brick

Anthony, Kansas 9-11 Memorial

A Display of Engraved Bricks in Place

The Anthony 9-11 Memorial was dedicated September 11, 2004. For a tax-deductible donation of $35 or more, you can have a personalized brick that will forever unite past, present and future generations. For a generous donation of $1,000 or more you will be permanently recognized with a bronzed brick.

The Personalized Bricks Are 4" High by 8" Wide
Here Are Some Examples

City skyline

Photo By: John Doe

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Fashion Magazine

Photo By: John Doe

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Birthday Sparks

Photo By: John Doe

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Blurred Lines

Photo by: John Doe

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An Example of a Family Bricks Placed Together.

The walkway leading to the memorial has areas reserved for high school graduating classes of Anthony High School and Chaparral High School, to purchase a brick. These brick will be placed in consecutive years as they graduated. By doing this, it will be easier to find which classes have been represented. We hope to include every class in the walkway.

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Purchaser Information

Contact Us

Contact the City of Anthony for more information 620.842.5434

All proceeds from the sale of these commemorative brick pavers will go for the construction and maintenance of the memorial and to support the 9-11 Memorial.

Read & Sign Our Guestbook

Please Sign Our Guest Book for the Anthony 9-11 Memorial

We would appreciate your thoughts about our endeavor. It will help us make this memorial a special place for everyone. Please email your comments to us so we may share your thoughts with other visitors. Please email your comments to our committee at: AnthonySept11Memorial@gmail.com

We will post your comments on this page. Thank you.

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Although I no longer live in Anthony it was where I was born and raised. I've always been proud of being from there but now more than ever. Anthonians you have done yourself proud. The support you gave to the 9-11 situation and the memorial pretty much says it all. Proud to be an American and proud to be from Anthony, KS!

Thank you all.

Deb (Kaup) Irvin

Colorado Springs, CO

My family and I would like to donate an engraved brick in honor of our one and only hero and our daddy, Joe Spor, Jr.

Colleen Casey Spor & Family

To the town of Anthony, KS,

What a beautiful memorial you are going to build. It's comforting that a small town in Kansas recognizes the devastation from one tragic day and has not forgotten.

You should be proud ....... Please put me on your mailing/update list. I would be interested in donating a brick in memory of Joseph Spor Jr.

Sincerely yours,

Annie

9-11 Memorial

We recently heard of the 9-11 Memorial dedication. Please send us any information you have on this event.

Thanks.

Sharon Carey

Dear Mayor Schott,

I write in support of your memorial to be dedicated in September. By way of introduction, I am Charlie Huber, father of Lt. Joe Huber, FDNY. Joe has kept us informed of his "Anthony Connection" since day one. I feel as if I am well acquainted with you and the wonderful town of Anthony, Kansas. The welcome and support you and your city gave him and the FDNY will always be remembered. The gifts to Colleen and her children were blessings and love from the heart of each donor in Anthony.

Not only will my wife and I purchase a brick, but I will inform others who may wish to participate in your program. I am a member of our local fire department, so you know they will be encouraged to sign up. (I was an active member back in the 60's, trained in the seminary and came back as chaplain.)

One of my daughters is ready to contribute but wants to know what can be put on the brick. How big is each brick? How many lines of inscription on each? How many letters per line? We have memorial bricks in front of our church, so we are a bit familiar with such a remembrance walk.

I have copied some of the pages from your memorial website to help sell the project.

Thank you for everything.

Charlie

Memorial Bricks

Ms. Crowe:
I have two friends who both lost their sons on 9/11. They were both firefighters who grew up together, joined the fire service together, rotated through three stations together and, when last seen, were together at the Trade Center. As you might guess, when both families received notification that remains had been positively identified, they decided to bury the boys together.

I would like to purchase personalized bricks for both, but it's crucial that the bricks be placed together. Is this something that can be arranged?

Thank you for your time and, more importantly, your efforts to help remember those taken. Take care.

Anonymous

Ms. Crowe:
After we spoke yesterday, something came to mind. As you may or may not know, there has been a decision made about the design of the memorial proposed for NY. Specifically, the families have been told that the names had to be listed randomly. This was very troubling to many of the families of first responders. Most had hoped their loved ones could be listed together, i.e., allowing the firefighters to be listed with others lost from their companies.

If it doesn't complicate things too much, I would like to make arrangements to have bricks "reserved" for the individuals listed below. As you can see, I've listed them by company, which, if possible is how I would like them placed.

Do you think this will be a problem? If not, would you consider allowing other families/friends to make a similar request?

Finally, if it's okay, I'm sending the funds for the bricks I would like to "reserve", but it's my preference to allow the families of each to decide what their loved one's brick will say. With this in mind, I will be forwarding your order forms to the families and ask that they send them directly to you.
Hopefully, this doesn't complicate things too much. If it does, please don't hesitate to say so.

Please reserve bricks for the following individuals and list/group them as follows:

LT. Kevin Pfeifer, Engine 33
FF. Robert King, Jr., Engine 33
FF. David Arce, Engine 33
FF. Michael Boyle, Engine 33
FF. Keithroy Maynard, Engine 33

FF. Brian Bilcher, Ladder 9
FF. Robert Evans, Ladder 9
FF. Jeffrey Walz, Ladder
FF. John Tierney, Ladder 9
FF. Gerard Baptiste, Ladder 9

CPT. James J. Corrigan, FDNY Retired
FF. Philip Hayes, FDNY Retired
FF. William X. Wren, FDNY Retired

Purchasing the bricks is something I want to do, regardless of the City's decision about placement. With this in mind I have forwarded funds for thirteen bricks.

Can't thank you enough for your time, as well as what I hope will be a favorable decision on your part regarding the placement of the bricks. Take care.

Anonymous

Donna:

Thanks a bunch. You've really made my day. I sent the info up to Michael & David's parents today. I know it will be a bright spot in their day. Can't tell you how much I appreciate everything.

I intend to put the word out about what you've agreed to do. I'm pretty sure you'll be hearing from others. Please keep me posted on the progress. If you don't mind, I may check in from time to time to see how things are going.

I also want you to know how nice it is to come across folks that remember. It seems the numbers grow fewer by the day. Many thanks to you and the City of Anthony. Take care.

Anonymous

Chief Mag

Please notify me of any updates to this program meanwhile I will send a donation for the brick.

Anonymous

FDNY AGAIN!

JUST SO TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT THE FDNY HEROES, YEAH THEY WERE THERE SO WERE THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE, INNOCENT PEOPLE. PEOPLE THAT WENT TO WORK EVERY DAY, MAYBE BEHIND A COMPUTER, BEHIND A MOP, JUST ORDINARY PEOPLE. WE WENT IN THAT BUILDING BECAUSE IT WAS OUR JOB, WE KNEW WHAT WE SIGNED UP FOR, THE INNOCENT PEOPLE IN THE BUILDING DIDN'T. THEY SHOULD BE RECOGNIZED, BUT NO WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE THEM. I AM NOT A FIREFIGHTER NOR WOULD I LIKE TO BE ONE AFTER WHAT I WITNESSED THAT DAY AND THE LONG YEAR AFTER WORKING AT "GROUND ZERO. "I JUST WISH THE PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD WOULD UNDERSTAND WHAT ACTUALLY WENT ON WITH THE "FDNY" I WOULD RATHER NOT EXPLAIN WHAT I WITNESSED.
PAPD
[9-11 Committee response]

Hello.

Thank you for your thoughts about Sept. 11. We understand that there were others killed there, as well as in DC and PA. The Anthony 9-11 Memorial is being erected to the memory of those true patriots who gave their lives during this horrific tragedy in NYC, Washington D.C. and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and to honor those left behind. The memorial is about ordinary people who met extraordinary challenges, working together to make a difference across our nation, and in the lives of one heroic firefighter's family. It will tell the story of the connection between a small farming community in south-central Kansas, fallen firefighter Joseph P. Spor, Jr. and his brothers at Engine 88, Ladder 38.

Anthony's personal connection has been made by adopting one family and helping them through their future. We realize, as a small town of 2,300 hard working people, we would not be able to make a difference in the realm of the disasters at hand, but we could help one family. We wish we could have helped more.

Our memorial is for everyone; we want it to be a place where generations to come will learn how those events affected our country as a whole. How rescue workers, whether they were firefighters, police officers, medics, or the people from all walks of life, worked together to help each other through this difficult time in our lives.

I'm sure the events you witnessed will be with you forever. Even though we live 1,500 miles from NYC, we were horrified by the images we saw. Our thoughts will always be with the people who were there, those who lost loved ones, no matter their reason for being where they were that day, no matter what their nationality was.

Sincerely,

Debbie Mangen

Anthony's Committee Member

To whom it may concern,

I would like to take this opportunity to let you know what a noble task you have taken on. This is a great tribute to the people of Anthony Kansas and the whole state of Kansas. I have always said that it is up to our generation to preserve the memories of what took place in America on this date. We can not rely on the Federal government to write books and stories about men and women who died that day. We have to take the initiative and build our own memorials and have our own tributes to the families and love ones that "we will never forget".

I would like to remind you that FF Joseph Spor was killed that day while working in Rescue Co. 3.

Sincerely,

J. Gaine

F.D.N.Y.

Please add me to your e-mail address book. Also send me a brochure.

Thank You.

Firefighter Luis F. Fragoso

Please send me updates on the memorial. I used to work with Joe Spor and sent out my donation for a brick in his memory.

Thanks.

Tom Carlson

I read about this memorial in the New York Daily News today. What a wonderful town you are from! I am originally from the Bronx, and now live in West Nyack, NY, about 30 minutes away.

My husband had many appointments down at the World Trade Center at all times, so on 9/11, I didn't know if he was there or not, and at first I couldn't reach him on his cell phone. I also knew many people who I knew were definitely down there, after working for 15 years in Manhattan myself, and having many, many friends who are police and firemen.

My fifth child was 12 days old on that day, and I was a complete wreck. However, I was one of the lucky ones whose husband came home that day. My sister walked from Manhattan to the Bronx. Many could not.

One of those people were Donald McIntyre, someone I went to high school with in the Bronx, graduating in 1980. I hadn't seen "Mackey" since then, but I did talk to him in 2000 when I was running our 20th high school reunion. He couldn't make it then, his wife would be away and he was in charge of the two kids, but "nothing would keep him from the 25th". Little did we all know. I had a lovely conversation with him, and remember wishing he could attend. He was a Port Authority police officer stationed at the WTC.

When I heard Mackey was lost, I pulled out my yearbook. He had written me a lengthy farewell next to his photo, and the words were very sweet and funny, just as I remembered him. The last line was most poignant: "Please don't ever forget me."

So, it is with this in mind that I would like to purchase a brick for my old friend Donald J. McIntyre, whose third child was born three months after Sept. 11th. I have printed out the form, and will mail it to you tomorrow.

Thank you, and your wonderful town, for this opportunity.

Sincerely,

Colette Minogue-Cannataro

Class of 1980
St. Nicholas of Tolentine High School, Bronx, New York

I read about you guys in the Daily News on 3/23/04. Thank You for all that you are doing.... I had the honor of knowing Joe Spor.... Please send me updates and a brochure.. I will pass the word around about the 9/11 memorial.

Tony Bueti

Dear Committee,

Three hundred forty three of my brothers died on September 11th. Please accept my donation for three memorial bricks in honor of them and my good friend and brother, Joe Huber. I thank you for honoring all the 9-11 heroes and your support for Joe Spor's family. We will "NEVER FORGET".

Thanks again.

Nicholas J. Alberti

Bloomingdale, New Jersey

Ladies/Gentlemen,

My father, Elmer W. "Pete" Mills was a member of Engine Company 88 for nearly thirty years until he retired. He passed away in 1987, and spoke constantly about how much he missed "the job" and his "brothers". I have no doubt that if he had been alive on September 11th, he would have grabbed his helmet and gear and reported for duty. On the other hand, I'm grateful that he wasn't around to see it, because it would have broken his heart.

Therefore, I would like to purchase a brick for the Anthony, Kansas 9-11 Memorial in his name.

Thank you.

Sincerely Yours,

Mary A. Mills

Thank you, Anthony, Kansas for your thoughts and actions.

Jack Culkin

F.D.N.Y, Ret.

Thank You for this wonderful project. I am a survivor of the WTC attacks on 9-11 (in the concourse area underneath when the first plane hit the north tower). I was just outside the south tower when it was hit. I live in Shawnee, Kansas (outside of KC) and saw a piece on the local news about your project. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you in your efforts. As you might imagine it is very important to me to ensure that all remember those brave men and women who gave their lives that day. Thank you again for organizing this wonderful tribute.

Wm. Shane Gentry

Shawnee, Kansas 66216

To The Towns People of Anthony, Kansas

Our dear friend, Joe Huber, (FDNY L38) has told us about your wonderful town and how supportive you all have been to the Spor Family! We would like to have our heroes added to your beautiful Memorial!

God Bless you all and please continue to keep all families of 9-11 in your prayers!

God Bless.

The George Kopac Family

Thanks so much for including the pictures of Cole and Joe on your website... I have an article that was in our local paper, too, that I put in .pdf form which will hopefully raise some awareness for the Memorial. We are planning on coming to Anthony the w/end of 9/11 and hopefully bringing some of our local firemen.

Thanks, again!!!!
Keep in touch!

Michelle O'Leary

Kearney, Missouri

Hi Debbie,

Well back to the answering to your question of Cole, his last name is O’Leary. Hi Dad, Uncle, Great Uncle (my husband) and Grandfather (retired) are all Policemen. Cole has had a lot of exposure to both fire and police. My husband was a volunteer fireman since he was fourteen. Then when he took the position of Police Chief in’85 he had less and less time to give. He and Cole go to the station frequently. Cole also likes to ride with Tom in his new Ford 150,4x4 police truck. We’re in a small town also.

Thanks for remembering us. We wish you all the luck in getting the memorial built. We intend to buy a couple of bricks and to attend the dedication in September.

Bye for now.

Sharon Carey

9-11 Memorial

Dear friends, I want to THANK YOU as a committee for all of the work you have done up to this point. I am so proud to be a resident of this small town. I will never forget this day.

Wynona L. Mandevill, Anthony, Ks.

I think it is great to see FDNY firefighters still being remembered. Having met Joe makes things even more special. Please send me more information. I am a local firefighter and knew many firefighters lost in 9-11. Keep up the remembrance. NEVER FORGET 9-11.

Mutual Engine and Hose Co.

Mount Kisco, New York

You should be congratulated for the wonderful website you all put together. I never get tired of hearing stories like Anthony's relationship with the Rescue-3 firehouse. I've read recently that when horror or atrocities occur that it cracks open the human heart and allows the true goodness to come out for all to see. Anthony's relationship with the Bronx is such an example!

I'm not surprised to hear of your experience with [my friend]. She has been nothing short of an angel on my shoulder for the past year and a half, in getting my film out there for all to see. She's also--from behind the scenes--performed countless random acts of kindness to many family members of the firemen that perished on Sept 11th. She's truly, one of the good guys.

I'm very happy to hear that Anthony was the recipient of a piece of World Trade Center steel. I feel however, that it's a travesty that more towns like Anthony, who were there for us when it counted, weren't more fortunate...as the bulk of the salvaged steel wound up (as I understand it) in Japan...sold as scrap.

I wish you all the luck in the world this coming September 11th when your rescue truck will rides into town featuring your well earned steel memorial for all to see. It should truly be a moment to remember. I'm certain you will make NYC proud.

I wish you a very Happy Easter and once again, thank you for writing me.

Sincerely,

Mike Lennon

Dear Sir or Madam;

I read about the 9/11 Memorial which will be erected in Anthony, in today's Wichita Eagle newspaper.

I would like to participate by ordering a brick.

I am sure it will be a handsome, meaningful memorial, once completed, and I certainly hope to visit it.

Please advise when it is anticipated the Memorial will be completed.

Sincerely,

Les V. Taylor

Here is a bit of help for creating your 9-11 Memorial. I only wish there could be lots more zeros before the decimal point.

If it wouldn't create a fuss, could a brick simply say "God Bless"?

2nd choice: "In remembrance".

With Thanksgiving for your community's reaching out and caring, and with good wishes that your goal is achieved,

Joyce McIntosh

Independence, Missouri

A great project for Anthony!

Carolyn Langenwalter

Winfield, Kansas

Dear Sirs:

Being a native of Kansas, I'm proud to donate to your town's memorial. Good luck with your project.

Billie and Glenn McCullough

Nevada, Missouri

To the City of Anthony,

I was impressed with your Sept. 11 Memorial plans. (Article in Wichita Eagle 4/18/04)

I was born in Anthony 1938. My family roots are in Anthony and I still have family living there. I grew up in Kiowa, Ks and still pass through Anthony on my way to my home town of Kiowa.

Like what your mayor is doing with this memorial! A very Christian Act! Will plan on being there Sept. 11.

Mac Kastens

To whom it may concern:

After reading the article this A.M. in the Kansas City Star about the 9-11 Memorial the town of Anthony is trying to fund. We felt moved to send this check to help with the cost. As a Firefighter-EMT (Bob) for the past 25 years for the City of Lenexa, and having an identical twin brother as an EMT (Bill) for the past 27 years for Johnson County Medical Action. We can relate to all the EMS Men and Women of 9-11.

We would be honored to have our names placed together on a brick for the walkway. Please engrave Bob and Bill Burnett.

Thank you to all who are involved in this project. As fellow Kansas folk we are proud of you and our state.

Bob and Bill Burnett

Merriam, Kansas

To whom it may concern:

Your article in the K.C. Star today moved me. I hope it moved others as well! Good luck in your endeavor. I think it is fabulous that your town has taken this on.

Sincerely,

Maureen Purcell

Bless You!!

Carol I. Mott

Pratt, Kansas

Thank you so much for this beautiful tribute!

God Bless You,

Virginia McDermott

Daughter of Philip T. Hayes

Monument

My husband is a retired FDNY Battalion Chief and lost many many friends on that tragic day. We've already donated for a brick and would like to be updated on your progress of the monument.

Thanks for your efforts and remembrance of our heroes.

Carol Culkin

Would this be appropriate for the memorial?
My parents are Lynndell Baker and Virginia Baker-Hays. (Mom remarried after my father died.) I doubt you know my parents because they lived in Anthony in the 1920's through the 1940's.

Thanks again.

Ted Baker

Shawnee, Kansas

Although I never lived in Anthony, my father's family lived there all of my life. Jesse and Mae Wymer lived in Anthony forever, as far as I can remember. I am proud to say I have roots that are fixed in Anthony. I don't get the opportunity to get to Anthony much anymore, but my thoughts are fond memories of Anthony and the people there.

Terry Wymer

A small donation for your project. I read about it in the Kansas City Star. I'm from a small Kansas town also, so I admire your community spirit.

Joan Perez

The Caldwell Fire Dept. would like to purchase two bricks for the brick walkway.

Thank you.

Dennis Thurman Sr.

Caldwell, Kansas

Dear Mayor Schott,

Please find enclosed my check for 2 bricks in honor and memory of my husband, Parker K. Harrison and honor and memory of my son, Chester A. Harrison, for the World Trade Center Memorial which I think is wonderful.

Thank you very much!

Kathryn A. Harrison

Derby, Kansas

My wife was born on 9-11-30. She was 71 on 9-11-2001and had gotten home from the hospital when this happened. She had cancer from 8-1-2001 until she died on 12-8-2001. This brick is in memory of her. I will try to come to the dedication.

Thank you.

Earl Love

Shawnee, Ks

Please e-mail info about your memorial to the firefighters. Our son was killed on Sept. 11th and we would like to honor him by being part of your memorial.

Thank you.

Mary Ann Sweeney

Anthony, Kansas

Thanks for your quick response. I've talked to some friends and we've decided we want to purchase twenty-three bricks in memory of the NYPD members who were taken on 9-11. Please give me a week or so to round up the checks. In the meantime.....

Would you mind e-mailing them again and let them know the gesture has been made in memory of the Vigiano Brothers. I'm also hoping you won't mind asking them to provide you with a list so we're sure to get their ranks and unit numbers right.

If you don't hear from them within a week or so, I'll send it directly to Mr. Vigiano. Ditto if it's something you're not comfortable with doing.

Thanks again for everything. I'll talk to you soon.

Anonymous

I just wanted to say thank you. I do not need this posted on the website.

I am sure many of you know who I am as my mother is on the committee. I know that getting funds for this memorial has been very trying on many of you, but the idea of quitting would be easier never prevailed. You have all put in countless hours of your time in order to make sure that this beautiful memorial happens.

As I said in the meeting that I attended for the memorial, I think that this is great for Anthony. I do not get home as much as I would like, but I still consider Anthony as my home. The great thing about Anthony is that there are always people thinking about others and they are always concerned about what is going on with you (whether you want them to or not). This memorial will give those of us that are not at home and have not gone through this process with you an opportunity to remember a major event in our lives (together). As one of my college professors said, this is the first (and hopefully the last) major traumatic event that our generation has had to face. It brought us closer to the generations before us. It reminded older generations of events that happened in their lifetime and made my generation more aware of those events. I believe that this horrible tragedy somehow brought the generations closer together and gave each of us a respect for each other. I know that this is something that I will always think of when I see the memorial. Thank you for a place that I can go and remember.

Some of my friends from Olathe and I are coming down for the dedication of the memorial. Again, thanks for all of your hard work and I wish I could help. My check for a brick is in the mail.

Chelsea Catlin

Hello,

I am a paramedic with Sedgwick County EMS in Wichita, Kansas. I heard a gentleman this morning telling Cornbread on KFDI about the Anthony, Kansas 9-11 Memorial. While I was listening I decided that "purchasing" a brick would be the perfect 1 year anniversary gift to my husband. I have printed off the order form and will mail it tomorrow. I just wanted to tell you thanks.

Sincerely,

Lolena Braun

My dear friend, Jimmy Boyle, asked if I would place the Anthony Kansas Memorial on my web site - Keystone-FDNY-Retirees. I'm sure our "Thousand Points of Right" will respond and help you in accomplishing this wonderful tribute!

Anything else I can do, I will, for Jimmy...... For Michael....... For Joseph P. Spor, Jr., For Anthony Kansas! Never Forget! God bless.

John Gilleeny

To the Anthony 9-11 Memorial Committee:

Thank you for all your dedication and hard work in building a memorial to the victims of 9-11-01 terrorist acts. The words of those who have written in on your Guestbook have really touched me.

I feel that your memorial will be a perfect place to remember my loved ones who have passed away over the years. Flowers at the grave wilt and fade away. But now, I'll know their names will be permanently etched in a beautiful setting in a caring town in Kansas.

I have already purchased a brick for myself. Now I want to purchase 4 more bricks to read as follows:

- In Memory of William and Clara Austin - Memoriam - Les & Dorritt Heideman - Marguerite Herb & Shirley Schnake

Thank You! and I'll put my check in the mail to you today.

Sue Austin

Chesterfield, Missouri

9/11 Memorial

It doesn't matter where I was on September 11th, 2001 and it doesn't matter if I had any personal friends or family in New York that sad sad day; I have never had any one single tragedy touch my heart like that day. They all became my friends & family that day. As I watched those men & women run into the towers I remember thinking how selfless their acts of rescue truly were. I'll never forget the helplessness that overcame me as I sat watching the World Trade Towers collapse, fearing that the chances of escape and futile. Yet, amazingly, stories of great courage and miracles surfaced. I love the fact that this memorial gives me the ability to show my appreciation and gratitude for all those that sacrifice their lives everyday. Life is too precious to waste on trivial matters, and the fallout of 9/11 has continued to shape how I think, how I treat others, and most of all, it completely re-ignited my patriotism. 'Never Forget' is a message that Americans need to keep close to their hearts!

Kelly Westra

SBC California

FROM THE DESK OF: Edward B. MacDonald

I am a friend and coworker of Joanne Peppard, Joe Spor's sister, and am honored to be able to contribute to your beautiful memorial.

On July 4, 2004 I stood at Ground Zero. That morning the Cornerstone for the new Freedom Tower was put in place. It is still a very special place to be, but someday it will be built up and life will move on. Your memorial will always be there to remind us of the sacrifice of Joe Spor and his fellow firefighters at Engine 88.

Thank you.

Elise MacDonald

Dear People of Anthony,

Enclosed is the amount to sponsor one brick for your memorial. I am assigned to Engine 88 (housed with Ladder 38) in the Bronx. I was assigned to this firehouse as a Lieutenant shortly after 9-11-01 and thereby never got a chance to work with Joseph Spor Jr. Nonetheless I have been so moved by your care, concern, kindness and action to remember all of our fallen brothers. Joe Huber has kept all of us informed and has been quite the "Kansas ambassador". Although I probably will not be attending the dedication, I do hope some of the guys can make it.

Personally, I have also had a relationship with a farming community in the west and have a sincere appreciation for the "back bone of America" that you all represent. For the past 8 years, myself and a few other FDNY members have spent a couple of weeks each fall bow hunting deer on a cattle ranch up in North Dakota. We spend the day helping out on the ranch and the early morn & evening hunting. It has become our most "looked forward to" time of year. Our friends recently sold their ranch, perhaps some day I'll hunt in Kansas!!!!

Thanks again for all your hard work.

Rich

Richard Kirschner

Thank you for sending me the update on construction of the Anthony 9-11 Memorial. I live in Overland Park, KS. Since I'm not in Anthony to observe the construction I really enjoy the pictures of it.

The Anthony 9-11 Memorial is a wonderful tribute to help the generations of people to come remember what happened on that awful day. The memorial is also a great tribute to spirit of the people in Anthony.

Great work!

Thank you.

Ted Baker

Debbie:

You mentioned the cut off for bricks to be included at the 9/11 ceremony is next week. With that in mind, I'm emailing this request.

I would like to have the following engraved for the pathway:

Mychal's Prayer

Lord, take me where You want me to go; Let me meet who You want me to meet; Tell me what You want me to say, and Keep me out of Your way.

Written by Father Mychal Judge FDNY Chaplain

Again, thanks for everything.

Anonymous

A note from Carol Allen, Anthony, Ks..

Terry and I also want to donate to the Sept. 11 Memorial. Please engrave the brick:

Terry and Carol Allen

Please add me to the update list!

Michelle O'Leary

Kearney, Missouri

What a wonderful tribute! Deborah Schott told us about this! One brick is for my husband and me. The other brick is for my department at Lewis and Clark Community College, Godfrey, Illinois.

Stella Spalt

St. Louis, Mo 63122

Anthony Sept 11 Memorial
City of Anthony
124 S. Bluff Anthony, Ks 67003

Dear Sirs:

Please accept this $35.00 check as a donation from the Johnson County Fire Chiefs Association for the Anthony Sept. 11 Memorial. I have enclosed the engraving instructions for the brick.

We are happy to contribute to this important project.

Sincerely,

Ted McFarland

Secretary/Treasurer C/O Johnson County Med-Act
Olathe, Kansas 66061

Thank you!

Ben C. Florance

Fire Chief
Leawood, Kansas

Enclosed is a $50 donation for 1 brick.

By Fireman Larry Ryan's brother, Harold Ryan and his sister Linda Lesher.

Thank you.

Anonymous

It was a pleasure speaking with you the other day. Enclosed please see our check for $500. Make out our brick:

Uniformed Fire
Officers Assoc
N.Y.C. Local 854

The rest of the money will be a contribution.

Thank you.

James J. McGowan

Uniformed Fire Officers Association
225 BroadwayNew York, New York 10007

Donna,

Please have these 20 bricks arranged together.

Thank you.

Bob Harrison

My sister, now Nancy Lippert will attend the ceremony.

Thank you for your generosity in remembering my beautiful Brian.

Ann Marie McAleese

Debbie,
Are any available?
Thanks for all that you have done for our heroes of Sept 11th.

Best wishes,

Jeff Billingsley

Memphis TN Volunteer Firefighter
DeSoto Co MS Fire Department

Memorial bricks.....

I was looking through the FDNY Rescue 3 website and found the continuing coverage about Joe Spor and your communities' ongoing relationship with them.

Our department here has a Rescue 3 so we feel a connection as well.

I'll definitely get my donation and words for the brick together. What a great reason to head north from a trip to Oklahoma City.

Best wishes and many thanks for what you all are doing for those great people in NYC!

Jeff

Debbie, thank you for sending me the 9-11 Memorial Update. I commend you and the people of Anthony for your hard work building the memorial. I believe the memorial is a tribute to the spirit of the people in Anthony and to the people who died on 9-11. I wish I could be in Anthony to see the dedication of the memorial but, I have to work.

Ted Baker

Overland Park, KS.

Hi Debbie,

Was thinking of you. Congratulations on the site being back up. Sorry to hear about your computer problems. We will never forget 9/11 because of the people like you and our brothers and sisters of the Anthony Neb.

God Bless You All.

Gerry Schrang Sr.

Hello,

I am Patrick Weathers, VP of IAFF local 179, up in Hutch. We are finally getting around to designing a permanent 9-11 Memorial with our piece of steel from the WTC. We have been looking for examples of other peoples designs and I think that your is one of the best I have seen. Its great! Currently our steel is upstairs at Fire Station One, is a memorial that our members designed and paid for. We felt that doing that would be a better temporary solution than letting it sit at Central Garage and collect dust, but we would definitely prefer a more visible and accessible location.

We had a few questions for you though. What treatment, if any, did you apply to the steel to prevent deterioration? Secondly, how did you acquire the land to build the memorial? We have several options for getting the land, but our best location is State land, and that is only available by way of a 99 year lease. Even at that we are not the final say on what can be done with the land.

Thanks for your time.

Pat

I noticed your memorial website while doing a little bit of research the other day. First, I would like to say that this is really nice. It's great to see how so many people rallied together for this cause. It seems that even in one of our darkest hours, we were really able to band together and drive on.

Dave Bell

Taylorsville, NC

God Bless!

Chad Lackey

Hello,

My father went to school in Anthony. I believe his father is buried there. Recently I remembered a visit to this lovely city.

While at work today I looked up your web site. Your 911 memorial is deep and lovely. I would like to be added to the email list.

My Dad's name; Gordon Arnett

My name is Kathrine (Kate) Arnett Levens Please add this email to your list.

Thank you very much.

Kat

Hi, my name is Joe Matsch and I am a firefighter at Beverly Hills Fire Department in California.

We are in the planning stages of building a 9-11 Memorial. I was hoping to speak with you regarding gathering information about obstacles and hurdles you dealt with while building your Memorial.

Any insight would be appreciated.

Joe Matsch

Hi Debbie,

Just thinking about you and the wonderful monument that the city of Anthony built. In remembering 9-11 I hold out my arms to you and the people of Anthony in prayer and thank you again for the wonderful tribute to my son Gerard and others who sacrificed their lives for us.

We Will Never Forget.

Gerry Schrang Sr.

Pat

Sun 1/25/2009

I noticed your memorial website while doing a little bit of research the other day. First, I would like to say that this is really nice. It's great to see how so many people rallied together for this cause. It seems that even in one of our darkest hours, we were really able to band together and drive on.

Dave Bell

God Bless!

Chad Lackey

Taylorsville, NC

Kat

Joe Matsch

Gerry Schrang Sr.

Nine years later, I just wanted to reach out and thank you for your tribute to Joe Spor. I went to college with Joe and was friendly with him but was unaware what had happened to him after graduation. I just learned this weekend that he was among those who did not make it that day. I thought that by now I had known of all of those I had been friends with that died so it was a shock. I have been on line reading about him and came across your site. As I am sure you heard from everyone you were in contact with, he was a lovely man and as odd as it may seem I find myself grateful for your kindness and recognition of him.

Mary L. McIvor

Hello Debbie,

I am an Assistant Instructor in the Department of Theatre at the University of Texas at Austin. As part of my thesis work I am creating a documentary play to be presented as a staged reading marking the tenth anniversary of September 11th. My work examines how Americans have changed as a people since that watershed moment. Currently, the project is slated to be performed at campus on September 11, 2011.

The project is of a strong personal nature for me as my husband lost his brother in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. My primary goal for the project is to reinvigorate our unity as a people so present immediately following the attacks and reaffirm we are a nation of inclusive people. The events of September 11th have been under discussed and insufficiently interrogated in the American Theatre. Looking at the event ten years later allows us to remember and reflect on our country's vigorous commitment to opportunity and hope.

Would you or some of the members be interested in speaking to me about this subject? I am interested in the memorial in Anthony and talking further about how we preserve the day.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best

Courtney Sale Manning

MFA, Directing Candidate
The University of Texas at Austin

Hi Debbie,

I think I may have forgotten to let you know Suzy and I will be in town with my parents on Mother's Day weekend. If you need someone to lay any bricks I'd be glad to do it. I'll be in touch. Looking forward to a hug.

Jim

(James Beltrami, FDNY)

I just finished reading the story behind your memorial and wanted to say thank-you to everyone involved. I am a 9-11 Pentagon survivor myself (my office was located on the fifth floor where the plane hit - the part which collapsed was actually part of my office). This memorial truly brought tears to my eyes.

Although it has been almost 10 years since this tragic event, there is not a day that goes by that I am not reminded of it in some way. Thank you again for this beautiful memorial.

Lori R. Burroughs

Manhattan, Kansas - Burroughs, Lori R USA CIV (US)

Hello,

I am an Editorial Assistant at Harper's Magazine in New York. We are interested in running a small piece in our September issue on 9/11 memorials throughout the states. I was wondering if you could tell me how many average visitors the Anthony memorial has per day or per year? Also, how much did it cost to build the memorial itself? If you could get back to me as soon as possible, that would be great.

Thank you for your time.

Ryan Healey

Harper's Magazine

Dear Debbie,

I am a member of American Legion Post 180 “American Legion Riders” in Great Bend, Ks. If at all possible the Legion Riders would like to attend any ceremonies that may be scheduled on the upcoming 9/11/11. Please let us know by return email. I’m not sure if you have already been contacted by any other Legion Riders Chapters so far. When you can give us a tentative schedule of events that may be already in the planning stages we would like to put this on the Legion Riders Website. Being the 10th Anniversary of that date has so much significance to many of us as Legion Riders and Patriot Guard members. Thank You for your time. By the way please add my email address to your list to receive future info.

Larry “Buck” Buczinski

Staff Sergeant, US Army Retired

Glad to see you getting some of the recognition you deserve!

Look forward to seeing you all soon.

Joe Huber

"Sorry to miss Anthony's 9-11 Service. Ben will be participating in LAFD's memorial at the Fire Museum in Hollywood. Our thoughts will be with all of you in Anthony!"

Diane Holder

"I want to thank all those with which I served, and especially those who are no longer with us. God keep in your loving hands those who are still abroad and keeping us out of harms way."

Donald M. Bush

"Sorry I'm going to miss it. Thank you for your dedication to this wonderful memorial and the survivors and the families of those lost that terrible day."

Peggy Wilson Newsome

To Debbie Mangen:

Thank you, for inviting me to this group, and thank you for everything you do to remind us that those who died on September 11, 2001 represented many different races, religions, cultures, and languages.

Many brave young American men and women gave their lives so the rest of us may remain free and live our lives as Americans. We must NEVER dishonor them by allowing ANYONE to destroy America simply by turning us into a nation of haters. It is up to each of us to live our lives in a way that honors their sacrifices, by living our lives without hate; without fear; without racism; and without bigotry.

America always has been; and always will be, above all, a nation that values Freedom and Justice for ALL: regardless of one's religious beliefs; regardless of one's race; regardless of one's heritage; and regardless of one's language(s).

So let's help each other, rather than destroy each other, because there has already been too much hate.

My regards,

Gregg Ryan

When we come to Anthony, it's always fun to visit the memorial to find our names, and names of our Harper County friends. But ultimately it's great to remember those who gave their lives at New York City and also in the armed forces.

Linda Broce

Write your caption here

stock municipal hall

From Our Former Governor

Governor Signs Bill Designating Kansas 9/11 Memorial

The 9/11 Memorial in Anthony is Kansas’ official memorial to the victims of September 11 thanks to a bill signed into law by former Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

“The people of Anthony came together to create this memorial. It’s a great example of the spirit of community that brought us together after the 9/11 attacks, and it’s appropriate we honor that spirit by designating this as Kansas’ official 9/11 memorial,” said Sebelius.

The Anthony 9/11 Commission was organized to fund the memorial through private donations. The memorial was designed to include steel from the World Trade Center, limestone from the Pentagon and soil from the United Flight 93 crash site in Pennsylvania.

HB 2595 designates the Anthony 9/11 Memorial as the Kansas 9/11 Memorial. Senate Resolution No. 1842 was passed in 2005 to honor and commend the Anthony 9/11 Memorial as the official Kansas 9/11 Memorial for 2005 and 2006. This bill makes the designation permanent and will take effect after publication in the statute book.

Previous Legislation

Motions and Resolutions
Senator Teichman introduced the following Senate resolution, which was read:

JOURNAL OF THE 428 SENATE

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 1842

A RESOLUTION honoring and commending the Anthony 9/11 memorial as the official Kansas ‘‘9/11 memorial’’ for 2005 and 2006.

WHEREAS, The 2,300 people of Anthony (located 60 miles southwest of Wichita) were moved by the tragedy of September 11, 2001, to express both their grief and the resounding spirit of Americans and Kansans following the events of that date; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony resolved to express their emotions in the very personal act of adopting, and providing support and comfort to the widow and four children (ages 6 months to 6 years) of New York Fire Department firefighter Joe Spor, Jr., who was killed in the collapse of the twin towers; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony also adopted Joe Spor’s Bronx fire station; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony, knowing the loss of a husband, father and friend is not soon relieved or easily borne, committed to providing ongoing comfort and support to the Spor family and the firefighters of the Bronx fire station, and did so through daily communication and the purposeful building of a bond of connection and friendship; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony chose to further express their emotions and to safeguard the memory of those lost lives and heroes of 9/11, as well as those in uniform today, by erecting a memorial in Anthony; and

WHEREAS, That memorial, built of Kansas limestone and brick, is unique and moving in its incorporation of three steel beams from the remains of the World Trade Center, a block of limestone from the face of the damaged Pentagon building and soil from the Pennsylvania crash site of Flight 93; and

WHEREAS, The memorial located in Anthony is being funded entirely through personal and private giving; and

WHEREAS, The Anthony memorial has attracted national attention and has been visited by individuals from across the United States, and several foreign countries; and

WHEREAS, The Anthony memorial serves as a place of connection between the survivors of the 9/11 tragedy and all those who support them, and a place of connection between all those who have committed to never forgetting the sacrifice of those who died: Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Kansas: That the Anthony structure erected in memory of the September 11, 2001, tragedy is hereby honored and commended as the official Kansas 9/11 memorial for 2005 and 2006.

On emergency motion of Senator Teichman SR 1842 was adopted unanimously.

MOTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS OFFERED ON A PREVIOUS DAY

On motion of Rep. McCreary, HCR 5017, A concurrent resolution designating the Anthony 9/11 memorial as the official Kansas ‘‘9/11 memorial’’ for 2005 and 2006, was adopted. There being no objection, the following remarks of Rep. McCreary are spread upon the Journal:

Excerpts from a letter by Barbara Spor O’Rourke

As the sister of fallen Firefighter Joseph P. Spor Jr., I am grateful for this opportunity to tell you what the Anthony Kansas Memorial means to our family. It’s the stuff stories are made of. Your great mayor, John Schott, and his family and his constituency reached out to us in our darkest hour and reassured our family and all of those affected, that the United States was ONE in this attack and that we stood together as a nation. Although we are separated by 1300 miles, our hearts and spirits were joined as one.

Now, almost four years later, when we speak of the horrors and tragedy of 9/11, we always can finish our story about the good people of Kansas who cared and gave as patriotic Americans, a place whose people want to always remember the innocent victims and great heroes of September 11th. Living in the New York City metropolitan area, I personally have not seen a 9/11 memorial that is of the magnitude of the Anthony Memorial. We wholeheartedly support the effort to designate the Anthony Memorial as the official Kansas Memorial. We know you are proud of your fellow citizens of Kansas for this tremendous feat. We are truly honored by this memorial and are forever grateful for your efforts.

JOURNAL OF THE 488 HOUSE Upon unanimous consent, the House referred back to the regular order of business.

Introduction of Bills and Concurrent Resolutions.

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 5017

By Representatives McCreary and McKinney

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION designating the Anthony 9/11 memorial as the official Kansas ‘‘9/11 memorial’’ for 2005 and 2006.

WHEREAS, The 2,300 people of Anthony (located 60 miles southwest of Wichita) were moved by the tragedy of September 11, 2001, to express both their grief and the resounding spirit of Americans and Kansans following the events of that date; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony resolved to express their emotions in the very personal act of adopting, and providing support and comfort to the widow and four children (ages 6 months to 6 years) of New York Fire Department firefighter Joe Spor, Jr., who was killed in the collapse of the twin towers; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony also adopted Joe Spor’s Bronx fire station; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony, knowing the loss of a husband, father and friend moved by the tragedy of September 11, 2001, to express both their grief and the resounding spirit of Americans and Kansans following the events of that date; and

is not soon relieved or easily borne, committed to providing ongoing comfort and support to the Spor family and the firefighters of the Bronx fire station, and did so through daily communication and the purposeful building of a bond of connection and friendship; and

WHEREAS, The people of Anthony chose to further express their emotions and to safeguard the memory of those lost lives and heroes of 9/11, as well as those in uniform today, by erecting a memorial in Anthony; and

WHEREAS, That memorial, built of Kansas limestone and brick, is unique and moving in its incorporation of three steel beams from the remains of the World Trade Center, a block of limestone from the face of the damaged Pentagon building and soil from the Pennsylvania crash site of Flight 93; and

WHEREAS, The memorial located in Anthony is being funded entirely through personal moved by the tragedy of September 11, 2001, to express both their grief and the resounding spirit of Americans and Kansans following the events of that date; and private giving; and

WHEREAS, The Anthony memorial has attracted national attention and has been visited by individuals from across the United States, and several foreign countries; and

WHEREAS, The Anthony memorial serves as a place of connection between the survivors of the 9/11 tragedy and all those who support them, and a place of connection between all those who have committed to never forgetting the sacrifice of those who died: Now, therefore, Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Kansas, the Senate concurring therein: That the Anthony structure erected in memory of the September 11, 2001, tragedy is hereby designated as the official Kansas 9/11 memorial for 2005 and 2006.

House Bill No. 2595

AN ACT designating the Anthony 9/11 memorial as the Kansas 9/11 memorial.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:

Section 1. The memorial constructed by the citizens of Anthony to commemorate the tragedy suffered by this nation on September 11, 2001, and which incorporates in its construction three steel beams from the remains of the world trade center, a block of limestone from the face of the damaged pentagon building and soil from the Pennsylvania crash site of flight 93, is hereby designated as the ‘‘Kansas 9/11 memorial’’.

Section 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its publication in the statute book.

I hereby certify that the above BILL originated in the HOUSE, and passed that body
Speaker of the House. Doug Mays
Chief Clerk of the House. Janet E. Jones

Passed the SENATE
President of the Senate. Stephen Morris
Secretary of the Senate. Pat Saville

APPROVED Governor. Kathleen Sebelius

House Bill 2595 Budget

The Honorable John Edmonds, Chairperson
House Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Statehouse, Room 143-N
Topeka, Kansas 66612

Dear Representative Edmonds:

SUBJECT: Fiscal Note for HB 2595 by Representatives McCreary and McKinney

In accordance with KSA 75-3715a, the following fiscal note concerning HB 2595 is respectfully submitted to your committee.

HB 2595 would designate the Anthony 9/11 memorial constructed by the citizens of Anthony, Kansas as the Kansas 9/11 Memorial.

Passage of HB 2595 would have no fiscal effect.

Sincerely,
Duane A. Goossen
Director of the Budget

House Bill Supplemental

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE ON HOUSE BILL NO. 2595
As Recommended by House Committee on Federal and State Affairs.

Brief*
HB 2595 would designate the Anthony, Kansas 9/11 Memorial as the official Kansas 9/11 Memorial.

The bill would become effective upon publication in the statute book.

Background
Senate Resolution No. 1842 was passed in 2005 to honor and commend the Anthony, Kansas 9/11 Memorial as the official Kansas 9/11 Memorial for 2005 and 2006. This year, HB 2595 would make that designation permanent.

Proponents of the bill included Representatives Dennis McKinney and Bill McCreary, and members of the Anthony 9/11 Commission. The Anthony 9/11 Commission funded the memorial through private donations and fundraising. The Commission designed the memorial to include steel from the World Trade Center, limestone from the wall of the Pentagon and soil from the crash site in Pennsylvania.

There were no opponents to the bill.

The fiscal note from the Director of Budget states that HB 2595 would have no fiscal effect.

*Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.kslegislature.org.

From The Mayor Series

Attack Proclamation

To the Citizens of Anthony, Kansas, Greeting:

Whereas, America is a country peopled by freedom-loving people of every race, creed, national origin, and religion; and

Whereas, Americans everywhere place a high value on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and

Whereas, those values are set forth and guaranteed within the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, and

Whereas, on Tuesday, September 11, America was viciously and cowardly attacked by terrorists who share none of the values represented by America and cherished by Americans, and

Whereas, those terrorists attempted to disrupt, destroy, and forever change our democratic form of government and our way of life, and

Whereas, as a result of that cowardly attack thousands of innocent, unarmed Americans lost their lives, and

Whereas, Americans and freedom- loving peoples everywhere condemn this attack on freedom, democracy, and life itself, and

Whereas, the American spirit of perseverance and the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness will triumph over the hatred and evil that prompted this attack;

Therefore, I, John R. Schott, Mayor of the City of Anthony, do proclaim September 17, 2001 through September 28, 2001 as a Citywide Period of Honor and Support for the victims and their families; the survivors; and the rescuers of the attack on America. I hereby urge all citizens to display the American flag, contribute funds, and donate blood during this period. I also urge all citizens to pray for and support our President, our Congress, our Law Enforcement agencies, and our Armed Forces.

__________________________

John R. Schott, Mayor

City Of Anthony

The Coming of the Dawn

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 terror and death fell from the sky on American soil for the first time since Pearl Harbor. Unknown, unseen men steeped in hatred and anger carried out the evil preached to them by a known, elusive, shadowy terrorist. Their despicable act murdered thousands of innocent unarmed Americans, victimizing this great country and indeed, the whole world.

The entire world watched the horrific pictures coming out of New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania last Tuesday. Americans experienced disbelief, shock, and anger at the evil that had dared to attack our homeland. The initial attacks were followed by the subsequent tragedies of the Tower collapses and the unprecedented closing down of the very sky over the length and breadth of our homeland. Regularly scheduled radio and television programming was preempted by constant, mind-numbing reporting of the Attack on America. And we wept. The sight of our land being attacked; the stories of loss and heroism; and the knowledge that an innocence and the perceived sanctity of our homeland was gone forever wrenched our souls and brought tears to our eyes. As evening came and a shocked nation prepared for an uneasy slumber, the darkness that fell reflected the spirit of a nation victimized and violated for the first time on our own soil in 60 years. The night was long; perhaps the longest we have ever faced.

But then came the dawn. And with it came renewal. Throughout the night police and firefighters from all corners of the country had struggled mightily to reach someone, anyone buried in the rubble. We would learn that more than 300 of New York City’s finest firefighters and police, unharmed by the initial attacks, had given their lives to try to save others. Their brother and sister firefighters, hands bleeding and muscles aching, have continued the rescue efforts under the shadow of buildings threatening imminent collapse.

We would also learn, through the marvel of modern cellular communications, that the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania did so because a group of ordinary Americans, alerted to the earlier attacks on the Towers, chose to determine their own destiny and confront the evil amongst them. Their actions cost them their lives, but saved an as-of-now unknown target and an unknown number of lives.

The dawn also brought sights and stories of Americans rallying to support their stricken countrymen. Americans from every part of this land opened their hearts to those whose safe, secure families had so suddenly been torn asunder and offered them their time, money, and blood. Flags suddenly began appearing in unfamiliar places: in windows, yards, and on cranes high above weary rescue workers. Prayers were offered for those lost and those remaining; for our Leaders; and for our Country. A recently bitterly divided Congress began speaking with one voice. An untried President rose to the task of inspiring his people.

The dawn brought victory of life over death; of love over hatred; of good over evil. The lost firefighters chose to value someone else’s life over their own. The brave ordinary Americans aboard the plane over Pennsylvania chose to struggle for their lives and others rather than allow the terror to expand. Americans everywhere have demonstrated their capacity to love their fellow countrymen through their selfless generosity, empathy, and prayers. Our President and Congress have expressed the righteous anger of a wronged nation by committing the vast resources of land to eradicating the evil that befell us. They have warned us that the struggle will not be fast or easy; but they have assured us victory if we have the patience, resolve, and willingness to do what needs to be done. The deep, burning, resolute fury that this attack has awoken within Americans will accept nothing but total and complete victory.

There are contributions to the effort that we all, regardless of age, race, gender, and wealth can make to this good and just cause. The City of Anthony has established a tax-exempt Victims’ Relief Fund account at both the Citizen’s and First National Banks. Donations will be accepted through Thursday, October 11 to correspond with the 1-month anniversary of the Attack on America. All monies will be sent to the Red Cross for victims’ relief. I will also ask the Chamber of Commerce to ask Anthony businesses to set out donation jars for the Victim’s Relief Fund. Please give generously to our fellow Americans.

Sewing World and SW Sidekick have donated their labor and Citizen’s and First National Banks have purchased the ribbons to make 1,000 small red, white, and blue ribbons which will be given out at the banks. They are free, but donations will be accepted, with all monies going to the Victim’s Relief Fund. Please wear these ribbons with pride through Friday, September 28.

On Friday, September 28 the American Red Cross will be in Anthony for a blood drive. If you are able, please donate your blood. You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

The City of Anthony will fly the American flags on Main Street through Friday, September 28 as a display of honor and support of our Country. Please fly your flags with us.

Finally, the best thing we can do right now is to display those characteristics that make us Americans. Let others choose death and slavery to hatred; we value life and the liberty of forgiveness. Let others hate because of race, national origin, or religion; we are a nation of immigrants made strong because of our diversity. Let others hide and strike cowardly; we will find them, and bring them to justice according to our laws. Let others murder children; we will embrace the children and nurture them into their full potential. Let others bastardize their own religion until it exalts death and hatred over life and love; we will pray to a loving God and value religious freedom. Let others cower and fear; we are the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are Americans and dawn has risen.

Reflections of the Right Stuff

Saturday night I had the pleasure of joining some energetic, creative people in a celebration of Anthony’s newest landmark – Reflection Ridge. If you haven’t had the opportunity to see the silhouettes, I urge you to do so at dusk. Located on a ridge just west of Caldwell Equipment’s building, the setting sun provides a glorious backdrop to a group of pioneers – Americans in a covered wagon trekking their way across hostile land towards their new home, Anthony. The spirit captured by this monument embodies the “right stuff” our ancestors were made of: vision, courage, and determination. Imagine the vision that it took a father to see a successful homestead, thriving business, or bustling town carved out of the empty, barren prairie. Imagine the courage that it took for a mother to uproot her family from an established home in a familiar eastern town or city and move to an unknown hostile land that was devoid of any creature comforts. Imagine the resolve and raw determination that it took to carve out a home, farm, business, and city out of absolutely nothing – except tornados, drought, desperados, and Indians. That “right stuff” is what our grandparents were made of. It’s our legacy. And in many ways, we’re living up to it. Barbara Wright, Bill Gates, Chris Elliott, Jeanie Barber, the Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, and many other people had the right stuff to bring Reflection Ridge to reality. Thanks for this lasting reminder of our heritage.

The Saturday before last, some other Anthonians demonstrated their own right stuff. Our firefighters, who give so much of themselves every day, gave up their Saturday to hold a “boot drive” for their brothers and sisters of the New York Fire Department. Anthonians responded generously, donating over $5,000 in one day, most of it in small denominations and change. Thanks for giving your time and money.

Last Friday, the Red Cross was in town for a blood drive. The pre-September 11 goal was 65 units of blood. From noon to 6 PM over 130 people had donated and 114 units of blood were made available to anyone who needs it. I (who haven’t donated blood for at least 20 years) was impressed with the number of local volunteers that made everything run so smoothly (the needle didn’t hurt nearly as bad as I thought it would!) and the right stuff of so many Anthonians who gave this gift of life. Thanks for volunteering and for giving of yourselves.

I haven’t checked with our banks to see how donations are coming in for the Victims’ Relief Fund, but remember you have until October 11 to make your donations. Many businesses have also put out donation jars on their counters, with the proceeds going into the Victims’ Relief Fund. Thanks for your donations.

Anthony is blessed to have so many generous, caring people. From displaying our flags, to giving blood, to raising and donating funds, to countless daily acts of kindness, we prove that we have the right stuff. And out on Reflection Ridge, the settlers look east to Anthony, smile to each other, and say, “We did good.”

United We Stand

When Karen Ryan asked me to give the Veteran’s Day speech this morning, I was both honored and humbled. I was honored because I can think of no other occasion more worthy of celebrating. I was humbled because she told me not once, not twice, but three times to “keep it short”. I promised her I would try, but reminded her that as the son of a preacher, it would go against my genetic code to “keep it short”.

The theme of this year’s Veteran’s Day parade is United We Stand. What a fitting theme for a time when we are indeed united. First, we are united in our love of country. Drive up and down any street and count the flags flying in front of businesses and homes. Go to our school and see the patriotism displayed by our children. But more than the outward, public displays of patriotism is the quiet, resolute, deep and abiding belief each of us hold that this nation of ours, founded upon the principles of democracy, equality and justice for all, is the strongest beacon of light shining in a world darkened by tyranny, hatred, and injustice. Our strength, indeed, the very essence of America cannot be found in a single political stance, religion, race, or national origin. America is an idea; it is the fundamental truth that we are all created equal and that we all have the freedom and the ability to achieve whatever success we chose to work toward. We are united in our love of America.

We are also united in our anger and sadness at the unparalleled act of terrorism that was visited upon us September 11. In the span of a few hours, those who sought to terrorize us into submission instead unleashed the true might and power of America. That might and power is our love of life; as displayed by the heroic firemen, police, and ordinary citizens who fought so valiantly to save others. That might and power is our love for each other; as demonstrated by the outpouring of sympathy and assistance for the victims of the attack. That might and power is our love of justice; as demonstrated by our united, furious, determination to fight this terror until it is wiped from the face of the earth. We are united by September 11.

Finally, we are united in honoring these men and women with us today and those who are fighting around the world. From the beaches of Normandy, to the Leyte Gulf; from Hamburger Hill to Inchon; from Saigon to Que Son, you personified courage and honor. Your service in the past is what enables us to enjoy the lives we now live in the present, and will live in the future. Performing for you today are our children and your grandchildren. I ask those children to look upon this stage and understand that the men and women we are honoring today were their age once. These men and women played games, had boyfriends or girlfriends, and dreamed about their futures. But their nation needed them to go to war and they put away their youth and postponed their dreams so that you and I could live in peace and freedom. They came face to face with the evil of their time and did not stand down until that evil was vanquished. They are veterans of the armed forces of the United States of America. Look upon them with honor and respect. The blood, sweat, and tears they shed for your freedom demand nothing less.

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your service and sacrifices for your country. God bless you, God bless the men and women serving in foreign lands today, and God bless the United States of America.

A Veterans' Day Prayer

Lord, this Sunday is Veteran’s Day and we’re at war. It isn’t a war we asked for, nor is it a war that will soon be over. It isn’t a war that will have a definite end, nor is it a war with a single, identifiable country. It isn’t a war that will be sterile and painless, nor will innocent life be untouched. It’s war, Lord, and as You know, war is dirty, painful, and wasteful.

We know that You don’t like war; You told us enough times that it’s wrong to kill. Your Son’s life was totally about love for one another. Indeed, Your greatest gift was that Your Son willingly laid down His life for us. So why then, knowing that You hate war and killing, are we at war? And why then do we set aside this day to honor our men and women who are fighting this war and those who have fought all of our wars?

Lord, we have no other choice. You allowed all of Your children to have free will, and that enables some of those children to make the wrong choice. Two months ago, on a peaceful sunny day, our blue skies were blackened by the smoke that some of Your children ignited. They came to our land choosing hatred over love; death over life; and terror over peace. Their choices and actions caused over 5,000 of some of Your other children to die. Their choices caused thousands of men and women to lose forever the touch and laughter of their wives and husbands. Their choices caused thousands of children to lose forever the love and wisdom of a parent. We as a nation lost forever the courage and selflessness of soldiers, police, and firemen. And Lord, we lost our freedom to choose peace over war. The evil ones thrust their choice of war upon us.

That’s why we celebrate Veteran’s Day. It’s our way of honoring Your children who have made the choice to overcome evil with good. None of the men and women we are honoring fought a war to conquer and enslave any of Your children. They never chose war as a first option; it was always thrust upon them as evil threatened to overpower good. Even today, as we struggle against this latest evil we are feeding our enemy’s children. We don’t hate and purposefully kill innocent people; the evil ones do. We don’t corrupt our religion into one of hatred; the evil ones do. We don’t force violence, war, and terror on innocent children; the evil ones do. We choose life, love, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And we honor those who have fought and are fighting to allow us to make those choices.

Lord, watch over and protect Your children who are fighting evil. Cover them with Your peace that passes all understanding as they serve in harm’s way. Bless our friends in other countries who fight alongside us. Watch over and protect the innocent men, women, and children who live amongst the evil ones. Help us to break the cycle of hatred and death that caused this war to be thrust upon us. Enable us to show our Veterans from previous wars how much we value their sacrifices. Bring comfort into the lives of our sorrowing and suffering victim’s families. Bless our police and firefighters. Wrap them in the warmth of Your love as they search for the broken bodies of their comrades.

Lastly Lord, help us overcome this evil that threatens Your peace-loving children everywhere. Make our bombs and missiles strike the right targets. Make our bullets fly straight and true. Give us the stamina to fight to the end. Let us send the evil ones into the hell You as a loving Father reserved for those who terrorize the innocent. Allow us to live in peace once again. Lord, bless America.

Thanksgiving

Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving. As Mayor, one of the things I’m most thankful for is the graciousness and the generosity of the people of Anthony. Immediately after September 11, I established a Victim’s Relief Fund through the city so there would be a local place for people to donate to. Our banks and several businesses participated and you donated generously to the Fund. Now I would like to let you know where your money went.

When it came time to distribute the money, I felt an obligation to ensure that two criteria were met: 1) the fund should really make a difference in someone’s life; and 2) the people of Anthony deserved to know exactly who received their donations and what they would be used for. It’s one thing to donate to a huge organization without knowing what impact the donation really has; it’s far more gratifying and meaningful to know that the donation is actually making a difference. So, I spent a couple of hours on the Internet and the telephone to New York and finally ended up talking to a Lieutenant in a fire station in the Bronx. He told me about one of his men named Joe Spor. And as he talked and through subsequent emails, letters, and pictures, I knew Anthony had found the right hero to honor.

As a kid, Joe always wanted to be a fireman. His dad was one, and he couldn’t think of a more exciting, honorable profession than to save other people and property from danger. Amazingly, not only did he become a fireman, he even belonged to the same Engine Company that his dad belonged to before retirement. Joe loved his job and was famous in the station for his practical jokes and singing. Always looking to better himself and his family, he worked on the side as a carpenter. Recently he made a career move from Ladder 38 to Rescue 3 (still within the same building and still within the FDNY). He had just started a major remodeling job on his house.

On September 11, Joe was deployed to the south tower of the World Trade Center to assist in evacuation. Only 35 years old, he gave his life doing what he loved; saving other people from harm.

Joe left behind a wife, Colleen and 4 children: Casey (6 years old), Joseph (4 years old), Shannon (21/2 years old), and Caitlin (9 months).

I sent the fund to the Lieutenant for Joe’s family. The firemen are finishing the remodel job that Joe started and your donations will help complete his house for his family. I also sent the fire station an afghan that is hanging on their wall, an Anthony coffee mug, several things from the Chamber, and some Anthony Republican newspapers. And I sent Mrs. Spor a card and letter.

I’ve asked the paper to print some pictures, Joe’s obituary and a very touching eulogy given by one of his fellow firemen, and the letter I sent to Mrs. Spor. Mrs. Carr’s 3rd grade class at Anthony Elementary has also chosen to “adopt” the firefighters and correspond directly with them.

It’s my sincere hope that you feel like your donations have mattered and that you feel a connection with one of the true heroes of September 11. I know for a fact that a family who lost a father and husband and a bunch of grieving firemen in the Bronx are grateful for the generosity of the people of a small town in Kansas called Anthony.

Celebrate!

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. I love the lights, the smells, the hustle and bustle, the music, and the memories of Christmases gone by. I love the traditions that have been passed down from my parents and that we are passing down to our kids. At our house, Pam and the kids put up and decorate the tree (this tradition probably stemmed more from my lack of patience with Christmas lights than with anything else). On Christmas Eve we have a traditional Filipino meal, usually with some friends. Before going to bed, the kids each open only one present. It’s always pajamas. On Christmas morning the kids have to stay in their rooms until Pam and I get up (which somehow seems to be at the crack of dawn) and are downstairs so we can see their reaction to what Santa brought them. One of the kids is designated “Santa’s helper” and we then alternate opening gifts one at a time. It just takes forever. The memories that we have of all of our Christmases together grow more precious every year. And after the kids have grown up and left home, I’m sure they will be even more precious.

Which brings me to my Christmas wish for the people of Anthony. It is my sincere hope that as you celebrate this Christmas fully.

I hope you celebrate the Light of Christmas. 2000 years ago the Greatest of Givers gave us the Light so that a world in darkness might see the truth. In a year that saw the light of goodness and freedom threatened by the darkness of evil and terrorism, we can rejoice that the Light has not been extinguished, but burns brighter than ever.

I hope you celebrate the Love of Christmas. There is no gift that can compare to the gift of love. In a year that saw unimaginable hatred we can rejoice in the unselfish acts of heroism that overcame that hatred.

I hope you celebrate the Life of Christmas. On the first Christmas morning, the Gift that was given to us enabled us to receive eternal life. In a year that saw so much death and destruction, we can rejoice in the lives of those we love. And we can honor the lives of those who gave of themselves so that others may live.

The true meaning of Christmas is not material gifts. This year, let’s spend a little extra time making memories with our friends and families. Let’s hug them a little tighter. Let’s tell them we love and appreciate them. As we celebrate this most joyous of seasons, let’s pause for a moment and remember those who have been taken from us this year. Let’s say a little prayer for the families whose Christmases won’t ever be complete again. And let’s say a prayer for our soldiers that are defending our freedom and their families.

We have much to celebrate. I hope you and your families have the best, most special Christmas ever.

Actions and Reactions

By now all of you are familiar with the Anthony / Bronx connection: how we “adopted” a fallen fireman’s (Joe Spor) family after 9/11 and the correspondence between his fire station in the Bronx and our community. I just want to take a couple of minutes to fill you in on what else has happened.

My sister Deborah, who lives in St. Louis, is an avid reader of the Republican (I think she wants to see what trouble her little brother has gotten into). She was so moved by the actions of the people of Anthony that she contacted an acquaintance at the K.C. Star suggesting they do a feature article on how a small town in Kansas reached out to a hero of 9/11. They followed up, spent a couple of days in Anthony, and printed a very nice article on Sunday February 3rd. If you haven’t had a chance to see or read the article, there are some for sale at the City building and I have some you can read at my store. The article itself is highly complimentary of Anthony and should reinforce the pride we all feel at being part of such a neat community. From a marketing standpoint, Anthony got some very valuable publicity and I don’t think we can fully gauge what the final reactions to our actions of caring and generosity will be. Let me tell you about just a couple.

The day after the article hit the KC newsstands I got a call from the chairman of the KC St. Patrick’s Day parade. He said they had wanted to have New York firefighters march in their parade (one of the largest in the country) but had been unable to locate any. Since we had a relationship with Ladder 38, he asked if I would call Lt. Joe Huber and ask if he and 3 of his buddies would be willing to march in the parade. He said the parade committee would pay all expenses and treat them like royalty for the 3 days they would be in KC. Of course I agreed to extend the invitation and after several calls, Joe and another fireman from the Bronx agreed to fly out to Kansas and represent the FDNY. Wanting to honor our own firemen, I asked if some of Anthony’s firemen could march with Joe and his buddy. The chairman agreed and offered the same all-expenses-paid invitation to two of our fine volunteers. Unfortunately, none have been able to accept this offer. Joe’s only condition to marching in the parade was that he be allowed to come to Anthony to see for himself the city and people with the big heart. Long story short, Lt. Joe Spor will be in Anthony all day Thursday, March 14. Then on Friday Pam and I will drive him back to KC and watch him and his buddy march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 17.

The next call I received was from the assistant director of a Hy-Vee grocery store in Overland Park. Jeff Rink told me that every spring his store holds a fund-raiser and after reading the story about Anthony wondered if I could help him find a worthy victim’s family in New York to sponsor. I called Joe Huber and he told me the heartbreaking story of the Diaz family in Brooklyn: the mother was dying of cancer and had been preparing her husband and two sons, ages 4 and 7 for her death when the husband was killed at the WTC. She passed away the end of January and the neighborhood fire station (Ladder 147) is trying to help the boys as much as possible. To make another long story short, the Hy-Vee in Overland Park will hold their fundraiser and send the proceeds to Brooklyn for the Diaz boys. They also hope to involve their school in “adopting” the boys just like Ms. Carr’s and Ms. Schmidt’s classes here did with Joe Spor’s family. Two of the firefighters from Brooklyn’s Ladder 147 will also be making the trip to KC to march on St. Patrick’s Day.

You knew I couldn’t just end it here. The laws of nature dictate that for every action there is a reaction. I want you to know that your actions of caring and generosity have produced exponential positive reactions. In addition to the comfort and financial aid given directly to Joe Spor’s family and the firefighters in the Bronx, your actions have resulted in another source of comfort for another set of victims. The young Diaz boys and the firefighters in Brooklyn will receive some comfort and financial aid and the people of Overland Park will also know the blessings of giving and knowing exactly where and who the money goes to.

Because of your actions, Kansas City will be able to honor some heroes of 9/11; and those heroes, through marching in that parade, may understand the honor and gratitude we bestow upon them. Maybe, just maybe it will help ease some of the terrible pain, sorrow, and nightmares that they have lived with for all these months.

In the days immediately following September 11, you acted with caring and generosity by donating to the Victim’s Relief Fund. When you bought that flag, put that dollar in the jar, bought a ribbon, or donated at the bank you set into motion a series of reactions that has brought comfort to total strangers. Those strangers have and will become friends. Who would’ve thought that a small, simple act of kindness could have such a profound effect on so many people?

Lest We Forget

I’m a history buff. There’s a constant struggle at our house over the remote control and whether we watch what my wife and kids want, or the Discovery, TLC, or the History Channel. I won’t go into who usually wins (ask Pam), but suffice it to say we’ve added several televisions in the house.

My mom instilled in me my fascination with history long ago. I think it was her way of passing onto a son, growing up ten thousand miles away from his country and family, his heritage. Around the dinner table in the Philippines her stories of my grandparents and life on the farm during the Depression and World War 2 connected me to who she and my dad were and how they grew up. Those stories gave me insight on why mom did things like save paper plates and tin foil and why she washed and reused plastic forks and spoons. Living in a foreign land racked by blatant corruption and ruled by the wealthy, I learned about the sacrifices and struggles of ordinary men and women to create the life, liberty, and promise that is America.

This week marks the six month anniversary of the most serious attack on that precious way of life since Pearl Harbor. In the days and months since September 11 we’ve seen this generation’s response. We witnessed ordinary people become heroes at Ground Zero, over the skies of Pennsylvania, and in far-off Afghanistan. We affirmed our love of Country and support of freedom by our outward displays of patriotism and in our quiet solitary prayers. We participated in the history of America through our acts of kindness such as adopting Joe Spor’s family and comrades.

Our Country will survive this latest threat and it will continue to shine it’s light of freedom in a world darkened by hate and tyranny. But America’s light will shine only so long as her people understand their history of struggle and sacrifice. Within that history are the lessons of the past and within those lessons are the answers for the future.

Thursday, March 14, at 2:30 the Anthony Elementary teachers and students will honor a hero of this latest struggle. Lt. Joe Huber from the Fire Department of New York will be in attendance. This day has been officially declared Lt. Joe Huber and Anthony Volunteer Fire Department Day to honor both Lt. Huber and our own firemen who volunteer so much of their time to serve and protect us.

Please fly your American flags Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in honor of America, Lt. Huber and our own firemen. Attend the school assembly at 2:30. Our children have been provided the opportunity to experience history firsthand and because of it, they will be better prepared for the struggle their generation will face. We need to show them we value our history. I’m grateful to our teachers and to Lt. Huber for extending this opportunity to us all. May we never forget who we are and what we stand for.

Anthony, You Made a Difference!

Last March, we had the unique honor of hosting Lt. Joe Huber from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). He came to Anthony in response to your support for his fallen comrade, Joe Spor, and the relationship that has developed as a result. Elsewhere in this newspaper is an e-mail I received from Lt. Huber. I’m going to let his email speak for him. What I want to write about are just a couple of the ways the people of Anthony have really made a difference.

First, I (and Joe) was amazed at the generosity of the businesses in Anthony. When Joe walked into his suite at the Redfern Reunion House, one entire wall was covered with gifts for him and his whole family. Not one merchant in town turned me down when I told them whom the gifts were for. It took no less than 7 boxes to UPS them back to New York and his wife and kids were just tickled to death.

Second, everyone treated Joe like royalty. We tend to be pretty reserved around here, but not with Joe. He’s a very open, outgoing, friendly person and you responded with extra warmth and openness. Everywhere we went people would come up to him and thank him for what he and his brothers did and let him know that he was a hero. An ex-fire chief gave him an AFD belt buckle; an ex-fireman gave him an old AFD helmet; the son of an ex-fireman gave him a sterling silver WTC coin. He signed his autograph on kids’ clothes, backpacks, and even a couple of teachers’ shirts. You made him feel welcome and special like I’ve never seen before.

The school program was just awesome! Principal Williams, Miss Carr, all of the teachers, and the kids put together a first-class event to honor Joe and our own firemen. If you were there, you couldn’t help but be moved and inspired by both their presentations and Joe’s story (it really wasn’t a speech as much as a first-person account of the brotherhood of firemen). Afterwards, in the evening, Joe and our firemen got together and spent a couple of hours just talking and getting to know each other. By the time the party broke up, several of our firemen told Joe to expect them to visit him in New York sometime soon. Guys, he’s expecting you (but call and let him know first).

Lastly, I’d like to pass along a phone call I got from one of the Brooklyn firemen who marched in the KC St. Patrick’s Day parade with Joe. I know that Joe felt the same way. This guy, Bobby Fraumani, said that on the flight home after 3 days of being treated like first-class heroes in KC, he, Joe, and the other firemen, police, and Port Authority guys couldn’t believe the treatment they received. When I called and invited them to come to Kansas, and they accepted, they assumed they would be bunking in a firehouse. Instead, they had rooms in the Westin Crown Centre and were royally treated. But Bobby said, “You know, John, the thing that surprised us most of all was the depth of emotion complete strangers all the way in Kansas would show about September 11. We never realized just how what happened to us affected the rest of the country. Now we know we were never alone.” And Joe Huber, in every conversation he had with the firemen, the school kids, or at Friendship Meals always made a point to tell us how that during the darkest days, when he would spend 24 hours trying to identify body parts and plot their location for identification, and then go home only to wash up for 3 or 4 funerals, we were the only good thing that happened. Our emails, letters, phone calls, and packages helped get him through the bad times.

I continue to stay in almost daily touch with Joe Huber and also Joe Spor’s wife. They are so very grateful for everything that you have done to brighten some very dark days. The Victim’s Relief Fund is still active at both banks and 100% of your donations continue to go to Mrs. Spor and her 4 kids.

I’ve never been prouder of the people of Anthony than I was during Joe’s visit. More importantly than the gifts given, you gave freely of your hearts and yourselves. And I don’t think we will ever completely realize the difference that our simple acts of giving have made and will continue to make.

How to Remember

I find myself, as the date draws closer, thinking more and more about it. I remember the oddest things at the oddest times. Driving to the bank and watching the jet trails turn back towards Wichita as all flights were grounded that day. Listening to the radio at the store with Myron as the first tower collapsed and instantly realizing how many rescue workers were killed. Wondering what could possibly be next. Wondering when it would end. Wondering what the President would do. Wanting to go get the kids and go home to Pam and just be together. Watching Rudy comfort, strengthen, and guide his City; and wondering how he did it while dealing with his own personal loss of so many friends. Going to bed wondering what the morning would bring.

September 11, 2001 was a terrible, unforgettably nightmarish day. We lost 3,038 members of our American family that day; sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, friends and lovers forever gone from this earth. How do you measure or fathom the loss? What is the worth of a mother’s smile? Or a father’s encouraging words to a son? Can we even begin to imagine the loss of talent, potential, possibilities? Our hearts, half a continent away, ache for the loss. We feel the pain. We understand the sorrow. We remember.

Last week, the FDNY identified, through DNA analysis, remains of Joe Spor. His wife has decided to hold a small service with family, Rescue 3, and Ladder 38 / Engine 88. The service will be on September 7. I wish I could be there. I would tell her how much we care, how proud we are of her hero husband, and how sorry we are for her loss. I’d pick up each of her four kids, hug them, and tell them their daddy was a hero. I wish I could take away some of the pain.

Instead, on September 11, 2002 the City of Anthony will honor the President’s declaration of Patriot Day and hold a Day of Remembrance. There will be a memorial procession on Main Street in the morning with poignant tributes to Joe Spor and all of the victims. That evening, in the Municipal Hall, we will hold a Citywide Memorial Service.

In tribute to the victims, their families, the Armed Forces, and America, I ask you to fly your American flag at half-mast from sunup to sundown. I ask you to wear red, white, and blue ribbons on September 11. I ask you to drive with your lights on. I ask you to donate to the Victim’s Relief Fund, which proceeds go directly to Joe Spor’s family. I ask you to observe the 8:43 AM memorial procession. At 9:05 in the morning, the exact moment the first Tower collapsed, the Courthouse bells will toll 38 times. At the moment they stop, I ask you to observe a 2-minute period of silence in honor of Joe Spor and all the other victims. I ask you to attend the evening Citywide Memorial Service at the Municipal Hall.

Let there be, in Anthony, Kansas, United States of America, a people united in honoring the memory of those taken from all of us on September 11, 2001. Let us never forget. Let us always remember. Let us always care.

Veterans' Day 2002

First, I (and Joe) was amazed at the generosity of the businesses in Anthony. When Joe walked into his suite at the Redfern Reunion House, one entire wall was covered with gifts for him and his whole family. Not one merchant in town turned me down when I told them whom the gifts were for. It took no less than 7 boxes to UPThis morning we celebrate Veteran’s Day, 2002. We gather together to honor and thank these men and women who have given of themselves to fight on foreign soil so that we, on American soil, may live in freedom.

We also remember today, those who paid the ultimate price for their Country. Too many of our young men and women left their families and the comfort of home to keep evil and tyranny away from these blessed shores. They answered the call of their Nation and gave their lives in her defense. We remember them; we mourn their loss; we are forever grateful for their sacrifice.

Today, one year after our very homeland was attacked, our Armed Forces are engaged in yet another war. Unlike earlier wars, the enemy we are engaged in has no single nationality or country. This enemy is found in Afghanistan, Yemen, Indonesia, the Philippines, and even in these United States of America. This enemy is united only in its hatred of us and of the freedoms we cherish. And unlike earlier wars, this war will not be finished with an armistice or peace treaty. Indeed, we may not even know when this war is finally won. It will be long; it will be complicated; it will cost American lives. But make no mistake: win we must; and win we shall. We shall not stop at any border; we shall not waver; we shall not grow weary; until every single terrorist is vanquished and the darkness of evil, hatred, and religious fanaticism that threatens us is overcome by the light of our goodness and freedom.

To stop this war before it is truly won would be to fail these men and women we honor today. It would dishonor those Americans who have shed their life’s blood in earlier wars. It would dishonor those we lost on September 11. It would endanger the lives of ourselves and future generations. This is our time to carry the torch of Liberty. This is our time to stand up and say, “We will not go quietly into the night. We are good; we are just; we are free. We will fight evil and we will win. We are Americans and we will forever remain within the light of Liberty.”

This Veteran’s Day, several of our young men have left us to take their place in this war. We miss them; we’re proud of them; and we pray for their safe return.

Since last Veteran’s Day, we’ve lost several of our Veterans. Their voices have been silenced; their stories go untold. And with each silenced story, a personal, eyewitness account of the struggle for our freedom is lost. Today, I call upon the Historical Society and the schools of USD 361 to begin capturing on film, tape, and words the stories that each one of the Veterans in Harper County can pass on to us. And if we listen to the stories they can share with us, we may learn again the lesson that our freedoms are not free; they come to us paid in the blood, sweat, and tears of those who fought for them. Let us preserve forever this personal history of our County’s struggle for freedom. And let us do it for our Veterans, for ourselves, for our children.

I also call upon the American Legion, the VFW, and the people of Harper County to create a memorial to the men and women of the County who have fought in all our wars. Fifty-seven years after the end of World War 2, let us finally, permanently display their names in a memorial to show them we are grateful for the sacrifice they made and the freedoms we enjoy. Let us acknowledge the role they played in keeping America the “land of the free and the home of the brave”.

Ladies and Gentlemen, on behalf of all of the people of Anthony, please accept our eternal gratitude for your service and your sacrifice. We honor you in a way we can honor no other, for you have given us a gift like no other. We will cherish this gift of freedom and we will keep it safe to pass onto those who come after. God bless you, God bless the men and women fighting today for those same freedoms, and God bless the United States of America.

The Fund

I want to begin this column by thanking everyone who worked so hard to make Anthony’s September 11 remembrance activities so meaningful. I won’t take time here to name everyone, but you know who you are. Anthony and your city and fellow citizens are better for your efforts. Indeed, no person observing our ceremonies could have possibly walked away unaffected by them.

I also want, this week after, to let you know what is happening with the monies in our Victim’s Relief Fund. As you may remember, last year after September 11, I established an account at Citizen’s and First National for Victim’s Relief. You donated to the fund and we sent the money to the widow of FDNY firefighter Joe Spor. She used the money to finish the remodeling job Joe had started before he was killed.

Since then, additional donations have trickled into the Fund. A lady in Missouri read about Anthony and Joe in the Kansas City Star and sent the money she made from selling homemade red, white, and blue bracelets. Another Missouri woman heard about our Fund and sent a donation.

I e-mailed Colleen and asked her what she would like me to do with the money – send it all to her at one time or send it to her kids, or use it to send her kids Christmas and birthday presents. She asked me to send her kids the presents.

The City of Anthony can provide a little boy and his three little sisters a human connection. We can provide them the thrill of receiving a gift. We can provide them the comfort of knowing that someone they’ve never even met knows them and remembers them on their birthday.

So far this year I’ve sent Joseph a PlayStation 2 and Casey Ann some Barbie stuff from the People of Anthony. Throughout the year I’ve sent cards, pictures, e-mails, and letters. Colleen, a very private person, says the kids enjoy their gifts tremendously. More importantly, she says they know whom they come from and know that Anthony is in wheat country in Kansas. And she is very grateful.

How we are using the money is bringing comfort, joy, and the bond of human connection to a fallen hero’s family. And we are the ones who benefit the most in knowing that we are making a real difference. But, the Fund is running low and December holds Christmas and 2 more birthdays.

If you’re able to help keep this connection going, please donate at either Citizens or First National. Let’s continue to care for this hero’s family.

From New York, with Love

Last week was one of those weeks where things (some of them, anyway) just seemed to fall into place. Since this doesn’t happen too often, I thought I’d share the events with you.

When FDNY Lt. Joe Huber was here in March, I mentioned to him that I would like some steel from the World Trade Center to make a permanent memorial to the victims and heroes of September 11 and Anthony’s response to that tragedy. You probably remember that we “adopted” the family of fallen fireman Joe Spor, raised and sent them money, and have remained in contact with them ever since.

Two weeks ago I sent Lt. Huber an email and mentioned in passing that I was still interested in the steel and a memorial. A couple days went by and he replied that he didn’t think it would be possible, but that he would check. He also said that even if he could locate some steel it would weigh a whole lot and be very expensive to haul. I asked him to check and not to worry about the expense.

That Thursday he called and gave me a number in the New York Mayor’s office to call and formally request the steel. When I called, the gentleman I spoke with told me that they had actually stopped taking any more requests and that the following Monday was the last day they would loading steel. I told him about Joe Spor and Anthony’s response to September 11 and he offered to give Anthony the steel we wanted for a memorial.

But we had to pick up the steel in Brooklyn that Monday (in 4 days). Without any funds, and on such a short deadline, I picked up the phone and called my True Value rep, Phil Cloe. He listened to my dilemma, made a couple of phone calls, and asked me to call the CEO of True Value in Chicago. When I called, her Administrative Assistant had already talked to her. She said that Anthony sounded like a wonderful, caring place of generous people and that True Value would gladly pick up the steel in Brooklyn and deliver it to Anthony at no charge. After a couple more phone calls to the True Value trucking managers in Allenstown, Pennsylvania and Kansas City, the arrangements were all in order.

On Wednesday, October 23 at 1 or 1:30 the True Value truck will pull up behind my store. This week, in addition to my weekly order, it will be carrying a very special delivery from the City of New York. You are welcome to come watch 3 pieces of the World Trade Center be unloaded.

This Monday I appointed a committee of volunteers to design the right memorial out of this steel from the rubble of the World Trade Center. The memorial they design and create will honor not only the victims and heroes of that horrendous attack, but also the triumph of the American spirit as Anthony responded with compassion, resolve, and care. And as a gift, it will be built without tax monies.

Hallowed Ground

Pam, our son Joe, and I took a trip of a lifetime last month. None of us had ever been to New York (until recently I had never had any desire to go), but with the events of the last year, and with the Anthony/New York connection that has been forged, we had to go. I especially had to go to Ground Zero. For a month I’ve struggled with how to describe our trip. Finally, I decided to just write it. Following is my feeble attempt to describe the indescribable.

We flew into Newark and FDNY Lt. Joe Huber (the fireman who came and visited us in March) picked us up. He had just finished playing a football game (the firemen beat the police) and we, with the ease of familiar old friends, picked up where we left off in March. Away we went in his Volvo station wagon towards Manhattan. Newark is on the west side of the Hudson River, and to get to Manhattan, we went through the Holland Tunnel under the river. The whole way through the tunnel, which is about 2 miles long, Joe was telling us that it was an identified target for terrorist attacks and how the New York police were really keeping a tight watch on it. When we finally emerged into the sunlight on the Manhattan side, I swear I heard Pam breathe a long sigh of relief.

Manhattan was incredible! Everywhere we looked there were huge, tall buildings towering over streets filled with taxis, cars, and pedestrians. The only sunlight visible was by looking up, which made it impossible for this Kansas guy to keep any sense of direction. The traffic, honking horns, and the way people drove made me real glad that Joe was driving. We twisted around through several streets and turns until we came to a sidewalk upon which we parked the car.

Several times on the phone and in e-mails Joe had told me how much he hated going back down to Ground Zero. He said it just seemed to suck the life out of him and that when he was there everything came back just as if he were living it again: the noise, the stench, the exhaustion, the feeling of utter helplessness and inadequacy. Knowing this, I had told him that we could find our own way to Ground Zero so he wouldn’t have to take us. Again that afternoon, I asked him just to let us go there on our own. He shook his head and said, “I have to take you. After everything you folks have done for us, it’s only right that I be able to explain what happened and where it happened”. So we started walking the 2 or 3 blocks towards the site.

Nothing I can say will adequately describe Ground Zero. Surrounding the site are huge, beautiful, glass-covered buildings that look brand new. Closer scrutiny reveals, however, gouges, scrapes, and small imperfections. Some of the buildings look like they’re built out of black marble, but when you get closer you realize they’re draped in a black mesh netting that hangs down the entire 30 or 50 stories like a black veil of mourning. Joe said the netting keeps debris from repairs falling straight down to the ground and not out into the street. And when you look closer, behind the black mesh, you realize you are looking right into offices complete with computers, desks, filing cabinets and chairs. You realize that on that terrible day people were sitting in those chairs in the privacy of their offices and suddenly a falling Tower ripped away the exterior walls leaving everything exposed for all to see. And you realize that the occupants of those offices haven’t been back since September 11, 2001. I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to them.

Ground Zero itself is fenced off. Walking up to the fence, Joe pointed out the cross formed out of beams that they discovered during the clean-up. That cross became a rallying point and on Sundays the recovery teams worshipped under its outstretched arms.

We walked around the entire, huge site. Picture if you can tall buildings, some draped in black, pressed together so tightly that the sunlight can’t filter down to the streets below except at high noon. And in the midst of all this towering steel and glass, a sudden 6 acre expanse of emptiness. On one side is a hole, 10 to 12 stories deep, where the construction companies are rebuilding the subway back under the Hudson River to New Jersey. Separating this hole from a shallower, second hole is a wall with huge steel spikes driven at an angle into the dirt. Joe explained that early into the recovery water from the river started seeping into the hole and there was a real danger that the wall would cave in so they pounded in these spikes to shore the wall up. We stared down into this yawning depth and the devastation became more real and incredible as Joe told us that on top of this hole was another sixty feet pile of debris. He described how treacherous the Pile was to climb around on, with seemingly solid footing shifting away into emptiness. He described the voids within the pile where he would drop something to gauge the depth and never hear it hit bottom. He described the two-month old fires burning deep within the pile so hot that steel beams 40 feet away would burn ungloved hands. He wondered what would fuel a fire for that long after millions of gallons of water had been poured on it. He described what it was like to have to use smell and touch to distinguish body parts from other material.

The Joe Huber I remember from March in Anthony was lively, energetic, friendly, and animated. That overcast afternoon at Ground Zero, I saw him physically change before my eyes. Gone was the confident, energetic stride; in its place was a tired, drooping gait. Gone were the bright, twinkling eyes; in their place was sadness and exhaustion. Gone was the booming, laughing voice; in its place were softness, seriousness, and much silence. Our friend has seen too much sorrow; experienced too much pain; and exposed himself to too much danger and death. They say time heals all wounds. I wonder if there is enough time to heal the wounds caused at Ground Zero.

After walking, with thousands of other people, around the whole site, Joe said he wanted to show us one more place. Across the street from the hole, surrounded by huge, tall, modern buildings is a small, old church. St. Paul’s Chapel is where George Washington worshipped and where, on September 11, the firemen carried Father Mychal Judge in that now-famous photograph. Miraculously it was untouched by the falling Towers. Surrounding the church and small graveyard is an 8-foot tall wrought iron fence. It very quickly became apparent that this fence is the “Wall” of Ground Zero. Every inch is covered with flowers, cards, posters, flags, banners, pictures, tee shirts, and hats. Some of the items are badly weathered and worn; others are bright and brand new. As I walked around it, the universal enormity of what had been thrust upon us that day became overwhelmingly apparent. It seemed like people from every country in the world had walked around the same fence I was walking around and taken items that they cherished and hung them on the fence as their way of showing outrage and sorrow at this attack on American values. This was how they could mourn and pay respect to the horrific loss of innocent lives. I wanted to hang something on the wall, but didn’t have anything from Anthony I could place. I think I’ll send Joe a shirt or something and ask him to hang it there for us.

The inside of the church was beautiful. It had just been re-painted white, gold, and sky-blue. I noticed that the benches, which were white, hadn’t been repainted, and were covered in black streaks, gouges, and scuff marks. Joe explained that for 8 months or so the church was closed to the general public and set up as a place the firemen and recovery workers would go to take a break. Cots, food, counseling, and massages were available 24 hours a day. The scuff marks and other damages to the pews were caused by the recovery workers resting and the church elders decided to leave them as a tangible reminder of the aid and comfort the church was able to provide. Just as we were leaving, Joe told us how one night at about midnight he had gone in and sit down to rest. A lady walked in off the street, pulled up a chair in the front, and started playing her violin. He said he had never heard such beautiful music; it seemed to reach into his soul and revive him to go back out to the awful task he had to perform.

The old Joe returned when we left Ground Zero. I’ll never forget the way he was able to describe what happened there. Recently I read a book titled American Ground by William Langewiesche. It describes the remarkable feat that was the unbuilding of the World Trade Center. But the book and all the pictures and second-hand accounts in the world could never adequately present the vast awesomeness of this place. Like Gettysburg, Pearl Harbor, and Oklahoma City, Ground Zero is Hallowed Ground. It is hallowed by the blood of those who perished in the ongoing struggle of good versus evil. It is hallowed by the sweat and tears of the ordinary firemen and construction workers who tore at the Pile in their struggle to remove the debris of war and recover the bodies of the innocent. It is hallowed by the nightmares and the sadness that attaches itself every day to those who fought there. It is the latest American Hallowed Ground.

New York Says, “Thanks!”

After all that walking around Ground Zero, my son Joe was hungry so Joe Huber took us to a hole-in-the-wall deli for a “slice”. My Joe quickly learned that a “slice of a pie” meant a piece of pizza. He also decided that New York slices were the best in the world and that there is no place in New York to get bad pizza. From that point on during our entire trip, all he wanted to eat was a slice.

Joe drove us up Manhattan, through Harlem, and across the George Washington Bridge over the Hudson River to Tappan. Tappan, about 20 miles south of West Point and just north of the New Jersey border, is where Joe, his wife Casey, and their 3 kids live. We spent Thursday and Friday nights with them and just had a blast! Casey was every bit as friendly and as nice as Joe. She instantly made us feel at home and welcome. Like Joe, it seemed like we had known her forever. Their daughter Kristen is totally enamored with Anthony, and wants to come visit us so badly she can taste it. Their twins, Scott and Jim, are quiet and inseparable. They spend a lot of time dreaming up imaginary superheroes and writing really detailed stories of their exploits. And then there’s the dog, Lenny, a big mutt, that Kristen torments and just slobbers all over everyone. Every time I went outside, Lenny would tag along, and then when I would come back in, I would have to wipe his big paws off with a towel so he wouldn’t track up the carpet.

Tappan is very old and historic. We visited a house that was built in 1700 and that George Washington stayed in during the Benedict Arnold spy affair. We ate lunch at the tavern where British Major John Andre was imprisoned before he was hung as a spy and sat at the same bar George Washington sat at. We just had a lot of fun with Joe and Casey.

Saturday Joe had to go into work at the fire station early so he left me his car keys and gave us directions to get to the Bronx. About 11AM we told Casey and the kids goodbye, loaded up the car, and I drove back down to the George Washington Bridge, across the Hudson to Manhattan Island, and up to the Bronx. Joe had given me real good directions, and thankfully it was Saturday so traffic was light. Driving in New York is an experience all of its own, but we made it to Engine 88/Ladder 38 just fine. Joe introduced us to all the guys as “the Mayor and his family from Kansas”, and the guys all knew what he meant. The firehouse was huge! Each side (half for the Ladder, half for the Engine) had its own restaurant-quality kitchen and eating area, sleeping quarters, and pole to slide down. The Engine side had a basketball court and weight room on the third floor, while the Ladder side had a big-screen TV. After the tour Joe put his bunker gear on my Joe, who found it to be pretty heavy and couldn’t imagine wearing it while dragging hose up several flights of stairs to fight a fire.

Maureen Comisky (Joe Spor’s sister) and her family arrived followed shortly after by Colleen Spor, her kids, and Mr. Spor (Joe’s dad). We had the entire Spor family in the firehouse that afternoon. Meeting them after a year of correspondence was such an honor. Joe’s dad and sisters were just as I imagine Joe was: open, friendly, and just down-to-earth people. His sisters are spitting images of him; I could have picked them out of a crowd. They kept thanking us over and over for everything Anthony had done for Joe’s family. Mr. Spor was especially grateful. He seemed very touched by the honor we have bestowed upon his son’s memory and he wasn’t hesitant to tell us how much it meant to him and Colleen.

Colleen was somewhat reserved, and I had expected that. We have never once spoken to each other by telephone, yet had emailed and written letters about personal feelings and deep emotions such as life and death. Sometimes her emails were open and she wrote of what she was going through, and sometimes it seemed as if a wall had just gone up and she couldn't allow herself to reveal any more. I understand and respect that. She is angry that her Joe was killed; not understanding why he had to die when so many who worked much closer to the Towers made it out. And she’s overwhelmed by just the everyday task of raising 4 kids all by herself. We talked; it was incredibly rewarding to finally meet her; and I have no doubt that she has the inner strength to make it through this.

The Spor kids are lively, energetic, cute, and very young. Casey, the oldest daughter, was the most talkative and boisterous. Young Joe Jr. looks just like his dad and was bashful. The other two stuck pretty close to mom. We had brought some small gifts for them and they all tore into them like kids do. Neat kids, and they’ll also be just fine.

The firemen fixed all of us the best meal we had in New York. They had gone to an Italian area of the Bronx called Arthur Avenue, bought homemade ravioli and sausage, and fixed it with salad and homemade bread. My Joe now wants to be a New York fireman just so he can eat that well. The meal was great; the conversation was better. Eating such a good meal with the Spor family and the firemen is an experience I’ll never forget.

After the meal, and after a fire run, Joe Huber called everyone together and started talking about all that Anthony had done for the firemen and the Spor family and what our actions had meant to them. He said it was an honor to have us there and asked us to extend an invitation to anyone from Anthony to come and visit the firehouse. Then he presented us with a plaque dated September 11, 2002. It says, partly, “To the residents of Anthony, Kansas in gratitude for the support you gave us during our darkest days, from the men and officers of Engine 88/Ladder 38 and the Spor family”. He also gave us a similar plaque addressed to the teachers and students of Anthony Elementary and asked us to present them to the City and the School when we got back (one is hanging in the City building and the other is hanging in the school). Joe must have been tipped off by some of you because he asked me to give just a short speech and really emphasized “short”. All I could say to them was that it was a tremendous honor to finally meet everyone, that they had been very gracious and kind to prepare such a wonderful reception, and then I presented the firemen with a Chicken Soup for the Soul book written especially for rescue workers that Ms. Carr, Ms. Schmidt, and their school kids had asked me to pass on to them. I also invited any and all of them to come visit us in Anthony. I gave Colleen Spor a rag rug that Koa Costley had made for her. Koa, she really liked it. Then Colleen handed me a bag with thank you cards that her daughter Casey had made, a couple of Rescue 3 shirts, and a prayer card from Joe’s funeral. Pam and I cherish the memories of a very special afternoon spent with the firemen of Engine 88/Ladder 38, Colleen Spor and her kids, and Joe Spor’s sisters and dad.

Before we all broke up and went our separate ways, Joe Spor’s dad asked us to stand in front of the ladder truck for a picture. This picture, of all of us together, is my most precious memento from our trip to New York.

Finally, with hugs all around, we had to say goodbye to Joe Huber and everyone and make our way to our hotel down in Times Square for check-in. I figured we would catch a cab, but Joe had something more unique planned. He had a Rescue 3 (Rescue 3 is the company that Joe Spor had been re-assigned to in August and who had lost half of their men on September 11) ambulance parked outside the firehouse and told us to load our bags into it for the trip to the hotel. So, a fireman named McGowan and I jumped into the cab and Pam and my Joe jumped into the back and away we went for the 20-minute drive down to the hotel. The bell captain standing outside our brand-new hotel looked at us kind of funny as we pulled up in an ambulance. His mouth really dropped open when Pam and Joe hopped out of the back with our luggage. McGowan leaned over to him and said, in his Bronx accent, “You ever seen anybody come to your hotel in an ambulance before? These are our good friends from Kansas. You take good care of them.” He said goodbye, hopped back in the ambulance, and drove back to the Bronx. I’ve since found out from Joe Huber that he got a rescue call right after he got back into the Bronx. Don’t know what would’ve happened if he had gotten that call sooner.

We had many other adventures during our remaining two days in Times Square. We rode the subway to catch the Staten Island ferry, which sailed us past the Statue of Liberty. We walked more miles than I care to remember but my feet can’t forget. And wouldn’t you know I couldn’t leave our pigeon problem back in Anthony; a pigeon deposited a gift on my head while we were walking in Central Park. What a fun, memorable trip!

I shared these very long columns so you might appreciate the depth of connection that has been forged between Anthony and the Spor family and the firemen of Engine 88/Ladder 38. When we began this initial contact and established the Victim’s Relief Fund, none of us could’ve imagined what impact our actions could have. Like the ripples from a stone tossed into a pond, the effects of our very simple actions continue to expand.

From the Mayor: We Have Not Forgotten…

[This article was published in the Anthony Republican September 10, 2003]

Two years ago on September 11 we suffered through a day that laid bare every raw emotion possible- anger that people filled with hatred would do what they did to us; grief that so many members of our American family had perished; love for our Country and the people who had lost their loved ones; determination to bring the terrorists to justice.We even allowed ourselves brief moments of somewhat guilty happiness that our loved ones were alive and live in a “safe” place.

But the overwhelming feeling we shared with all Americans was a deep wrenching sorrow for those we lost and sympathy for their families.The recent immigrant who worked at the Windows of the World restaurant. The brave husbands and fathers in the skies over Pennsylvania who chose to confront terror rather than let terrorists crash their plane into the Capitol. Joe Spor.

Two years has passed and time has a way of healing wounds. Somehow the pain has dulled. Somehow we don’t find ourselves thinking about it so often. And that’s normal and good. Maybe that’s our heavenly Father’s way of helping us continue with our lives.

But while our wound isn’t as raw as it was that day, and while life has once again somewhat returned to normal, we haven’t forgotten. We can’t. Our sons and daughters fight in far-away lands to keep us safe. Our economy still reels from the impact of that day. We no longer assume our shores are invulnerable to attack. Thousands and thousands of our fellow Americans miss the voices and touch of their loved ones. If we believe, as we claim, that every single American can achieve anything they set their mind to, we know we have all been diminished by the loss of every single victim’s dreams and potential.

Last year we met, in a very touching service, as a community to remember. This year let us each remember in our own way. In accordance with the President’s declaration of Patriot Day, I ask you to fly your American flag at half-mast from sunup to sundown. Our fire sirens will sound at 7:46, 8:03, 8:43, and 9:10 to commemorate the exact times the planes hit the Towers, Pentagon, and crashed in Pennsylvania.At 9:05 in the morning, the exact moment the first Tower collapsed, the Courthouse bells will toll for one minute.While they are tolling, I ask you to observe a moment of silence in honor of Joe Spor and all the other victims.In the evening, I ask you to place a lighted candle in your window to represent the Light of Freedom and commemorate the candlelight vigils that spontaneously occurred that terrible night. I ask you to donate to the Victim’s Relief Fund, the proceeds of which go directly to Joe Spor’s family.

While our remembrance this year will be simpler than last year, it will carry no less feeling. There is, in Anthony, Kansas, United States of America, a people united in honoring the memory of those taken from all of us on September 11, 2001.We have not forgotten. We will always remember. We will always care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is the Memorial Located?

The Anthony 9-11 Memorial is in Memorial Park on the west edge of Anthony, just east of the intersection of Highway 2 and Main Street. It is in the southeast corner of the park.

Does It Cost Anything to Visit?

No, there is no entrance fee, although donations are welcome.

Is It Handicap Accessible?

Yes, the memorial is for everyone and it was built to be accessible for wheelchairs.

How Can I Buy an Engraved Brick?

There is a page you can print off the internet to order one or ask any member of the committee for more information. To go to the brick order page click here.

How Much Are the Bricks?

The bricks are $35 each. You can have 3 lines with 20 characters per line.

How Much Did the Memorial Cost to Build?

Our early estimate was $40,000 which doubled to over $80,000 before we were finished with the actual structure. The committee is very proud of the fact that no tax money was used. The funds came from donations of individuals and corporations, and many fundraisers. We are still raising funds for landscaping and maintenance. The flags are all replaced at least twice a year and light bulbs burn out, just like home.

My Group Would Like a Program About the Memorial; Do You Have a Presentation for Organizations?

Yes, we have a PowerPoint presentation we take to organizations who are interested in our memorial. Just contact one of the members of the committee or email us at: AnthonySept11Memorial@gmail.com.

9-11 MEMORIAL OF KANSAS

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Never Forget September 11, 2001

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September 11 Memorial Anthony, Kansas

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Meet Joseph P. Spor

Bronx Firefighter

The Change

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Firefighters' Honor Roll

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Buy a Brick

A Display of Engraved Bricks in Place

The Personalized Bricks Are 4" High by 8" WideHere Are Some Examples

City skyline

Fashion Magazine

Birthday Sparks

Blurred Lines

An Example of a Family Bricks Placed Together.

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Purchaser Information

Contact Us

Read & Sign Our Guestbook

Please Sign Our Guest Book for the Anthony 9-11 Memorial

Deb (Kaup) Irvin

Colleen Casey Spor & Family

Annie

Sharon Carey

Charlie

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

Anonymous

Debbie Mangen

J. Gaine

Firefighter Luis F. Fragoso

Tom Carlson

Colette Minogue-Cannataro

Tony Bueti

Nicholas J. Alberti

Mary A. Mills

Jack Culkin

Wm. Shane Gentry

The George Kopac Family

Michelle O'Leary

Sharon Carey

Wynona L. Mandevill, Anthony, Ks.

Mutual Engine and Hose Co.

Mike Lennon

Les V. Taylor

Joyce McIntosh

Carolyn Langenwalter

Billie and Glenn McCullough

Mac Kastens

Bob and Bill Burnett

Maureen Purcell

Carol I. Mott

Virginia McDermott

Carol Culkin

Ted Baker

Terry Wymer

Joan Perez

Dennis Thurman Sr.

Kathryn A. Harrison

Earl Love

Mary Ann Sweeney

Anonymous

Chelsea Catlin

Lolena Braun

John Gilleeny

Sue Austin

Kelly Westra

Elise MacDonald

Rich

Ted Baker

Anonymous

Terry and Carol Allen

The Personalized Bricks Are 4" High by 8" Wide
Here Are Some Examples