Wichita ? Two of the more than 300 New York firefighters visiting U.S. cities this weekend found a warm reception Friday in Wichita, where they thanked residents for their support in recent months.

Brooklyn firefighters Michael Lyons and Peter Arce both participated in rescue efforts at the World Trade Center after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Lyons, who has been a firefighter for four years, said good wishes, donations and other help from people across the country helped New York City firefighters realize how many people cared about the city and the aftermath of the terrorist attacks.

“It’s made dealing with 9-11 a little easier,” said Lyons, who has earned two citations for bravery. “Thank you doesn’t seem to be powerful enough.”

The hundreds of firefighters are delivering their thanks in person as part of the “Cities Unite America” program, which is aimed at boosting travel and tourism around the country. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

Wichita Mayor Bob Knight presented the firefighters with city of Wichita medallions during a reception Friday afternoon.

“Everything you did at ground zero you did from your heart,” Knight said. “You showed us the beauty of the human spirit and patriotism of the American spirit.”

The firefighters visited area students, attended a business mixer at the Kansas African-American Museum and had dinner with local firefighters Friday.

Arce and Lyons planned to tour Wichita’s Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Lincoln Park as well as other sites on Saturday. They also will join local firefighters for breakfast and dinner served at Wichita fire stations.

Arce, who served as a New York police officer for more than three years before becoming a firefighter, said for six months people have been thanking them for their bravery.

“This is our way of thanking people back,” he said.