The Chicago Tribune recently published a heartfelt human interest story about John Francis Minich, a Chicago firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1952. Minich was a true hero, saving several lives during a deadly fire at an apartment building on West Argyle Street. Just moments after rescuing those trapped inside, he collapsed and passed away. For nearly 60 years, his body remained in an unmarked grave at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Des Plaines, surrounded by other headstones that bore names and stories of those who had lived full lives. This Saturday, that will change. Officials from the Chicago Fire Department and the firefighters’ union will be present to unveil a new headstone for Minich, finally giving him the recognition he deserves. Among those attending will be a woman whose life was forever changed by the firefighter’s bravery — a woman who owes her very existence to him. At the time of the fire, McCann’s mother was eight months pregnant with her. As flames engulfed their apartment, she refused to jump from the third floor, fearing harm to her unborn child. That’s when Minich came to the rescue. He entered the burning building again, found her, and guided her to safety, covering her mouth and nose with a wet cloth to help her breathe through the smoke. During the escape, Minich even asked McCann’s mother what name she planned to give her baby and promised to visit once the child was born. But just minutes after getting her to safety, he collapsed and died. A newspaper notice at the time mentioned that Minich was survived by his wife, Marie, and two brothers. The fire was later determined to have been set by a 29-year-old man who had a dispute with his girlfriend, who lived in the building. Twelve days after the fire, McCann was born. She grew up hearing the story of how her mother had been saved by a brave firefighter, but it wasn’t until last year that she decided to find out what happened to Minich after he died. She reached out to a friend who worked at All Saints Cemetery, John Stewart, who helped her locate Minich’s grave. What they found was shocking — both Minich and his wife were buried in unmarked plots. McCann visited the site on a snowy day in January and was deeply moved. “It really troubled me,†she said. “I looked at this entire row, and I thought, ‘Oh my God, he’s a hero. He saved my life. I’m here because of him. And he doesn’t have a marker.’†She immediately offered to buy a headstone for Minich, but Stewart encouraged her to wait. He reached out to a firefighter captain, and soon the Chicago Fire Department and the union stepped in. A local cemetery in Elmhurst agreed to donate a black granite headstone, and McCann is also working to get one for Minich’s wife. It’s a small act, but it’s a meaningful tribute to a man who gave everything for others. The complete article can be found HERE. Thanks, Chris. Alloy Steel Pipe,Alloy Steel Tube,Alloy 600 Tube,Alloy 625 Tube Shandong Shifeng Metal Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.qfgygs.com