A ceremony is currently taking place in central Newfoundland to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attacks that occurred in the United States 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. The tragic events involved the hijacking of four airplanes, which were subsequently crashed into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a field in Pennsylvania.
During this dark chapter, thirty-eight planes carrying over 6,500 passengers were redirected and grounded in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. In an act of extraordinary kindness, the local community sprang into action, providing shelter, food, and clothing for the stranded passengers, turning churches and community halls into makeshift emergency accommodations.
Dignitaries in attendance at the Gander ceremony include Jean Chrétien, the Prime Minister of Canada on 9/11, and Governor General Louise Arbour. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra is also among the speakers, highlighting the enduring connections between Canada and the United States.
The residents of Gander demonstrated remarkable hospitality by offering three meals a day, organizing entertainment for children, and ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew during their unexpected stay. Beverley Bass, a pilot for American Airlines, recalls her experience of being diverted from her flight from Paris to Dallas. Expecting to land in Toronto or Montreal, she expressed surprise when directed to Gander Airport, where she witnessed an overwhelming presence of vehicles looking after those affected.
Bass fondly remembers the kindness of Gander’s residents, noting that many passengers were reluctant to leave, fearing the devastation awaiting them back home in the U.S. She emphasized the beauty of the community where they found hospitality, stating, “We had spent five days living in the most beautiful community in the world.”
Former Prime Minister Mark Carney, at a separate event in Banff, Alberta, paid tribute to the 9/11 victims, asserting Canada's solidarity with its American neighbors during these times of mourning and remembrance. He highlighted the heroism displayed by first responders, stating, “The response to darkness is to reach out, to support, to stand in solidarity.”
Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre also reflected on the generosity of Gander and other Canadian families who welcomed diverted passengers, expressing gratitude for their compassion during that crisis.
One passenger, Raphael Fusco, who was only 17 years old when the attacks occurred, recounted his experience of flying from Milan to Newark with his father when their flight was redirected to Gander. After landing, they were transported to Lewisport, Newfoundland and Labrador, where they stayed in a church for three nights. He expressed deep appreciation for the warmth and kindness they received, stating, “While the rest of the world was seeing these horrific images, we saw something very different.” Fusco emphasized that the altruism and generosity shown to him and his fellow passengers had a lasting impact on his worldview.
In addition to the commemoration in Gander, a separate remembrance event was held in Ottawa, attended by approximately 100 invited guests, including representatives from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada Border Services Agency, and other first responders, illustrating the wide-reaching impact of that fateful day.
