Save The Flame

National World War I Museum Announces Goal to Raise $65,000 for “Save the Flame” 2009 Campaign

Click here to donate to "Save the Flame"

In 2008 an unexpected budget shortfall forced the National World War I Museum to extinguish the Liberty Memorial flame. After an article in The Kansas City Star highlighted the funding issue and efforts by community activists to raise awareness, “Save the Flame” was created. The grassroots campaign raised $68,000 in four weeks and ensured the flame burned for the next year.

“We have made significant strides to create a long-term strategic funding plan for the Museum. In time, this will help us diversify our funding sources” explains President & CEO Brian Alexander. “We are again facing a challenging budget year and are launching “Save the Flame” 2009 in hopes that individuals and corporations will join together to make sure the Liberty Memorial Flame continues to burn.”

The annual cost of the flame is approximately $65,000. The iconic flame is produced by a boiler system that generates steam coupled with lights which together create the effect of a flame. Museum officials are working toward a more cost effective way to generate the flame, but until then continue to utilize the original system.

Donate to “Save the Flame”

Concerned citizens and organizations can make a tax-deductible contribution by:

 Visiting the Museum
 Visiting www.theworldwar.org/flame
 Sending a check to 100 W. 26th St., Kansas City, MO 64108—make the check out to “National World War I Museum” and put “Save the Flame” in the memo line.

Donors who contribute $25 or more to this year’s campaign will receive a commemorative “Save the Flame” 2009 pin.

Contributions can also be made through the Museum’s “Save the Flame” Fund at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.

“Whether five or five hundred, every dollar is important,” said Alexander. “We are grateful to all of those who help keep the flame burning.”

Corporate Sponsorships

Corporations can also help “Save the Flame” and in return will receive sponsorship benefits. The Museum will secure an official sponsor for each month of the year. The cost for a one month sponsorship is $5,000.

“Last year, a number of corporations and foundations stepped forward to help with the campaign” says Alexander. “For an investment of $5,000 a corporation will not only receive a number of benefits but will know they are standing behind an important symbol for the community and the nation.”

Those interested in corporate sponsorship opportunities should contact 816-784-1912.

A special thanks to this month's corporate sponsor, The Westin Crown Center.

History of the Flame

The Liberty Memorial and its eternal flame were built to honor those who served in the Great War. Harold Van Buren Magonigle, the Memorial’s architect, envisioned the monument as “a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.”

The flame has honored Americans who fought in World War I since the Liberty Memorial’s dedication on November 11, 1926. After World War I, as men and women have continued to serve our country, the flame has evolved to become a symbol for all American veterans.