Heritage Minute Honours Newfoundland Town Ahead of 9/11 Anniversary

The town of Gander in Newfoundland is being commemorated for its contribution after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks when it welcomed nearly 7,000 U.S.-bound travellers whose planes were diverted.

Historica Canada is showcasing the hospitality shown by the residents of Gander in its newest Heritage Minute, a 60-second film series that emphasizes important narratives from Canadian history.

The one-minute clip, dubbed Gander and 9/11, showcases the actions of the small community after 38 planes carrying 6,579 passengers and crew were redirected to Gander International Airport in the aftermath of the al-Qaeda terrorist attacks against the United States.

The town of 9,600 has become famous for opening its doors to thousands of travellers, with many residents welcoming them into their homes.

The film debuted as part of a celebration at the airport this week for community members and supporters. Historica Canada described the Sept. 2 event as “a special evening celebrating a remarkable story of generosity, compassion, and community.”

“From Ganderites who remember the events firsthand to the filmmakers, performers, community members, and supporters who helped bring this story to the screen, it was a special evening celebrating a remarkable story of generosity, compassion, and community,” the group said in a social media post.

The event was planned ahead of U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra and other officials visiting Gander on Sept. 11 to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.

The town has held commemorative events annually since al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked and crashed four commercial airplanes into the 110-story Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Mayor Percy Farwell says this year’s event, like all of the others, is about remembering the people who died that day. But he said it’s also about remembering how the community became forever linked to the 9/11 attacks.

“As we mark the 25th anniversary, we will take time to remember those who were lost, recognize those who helped, and reflect on the connections that were made,” he said in a statement. “This is not a celebration, but a time to remember.”

The formal ceremony will take place at Gander’s arena on Sept. 11, featuring speeches from dignitaries and musical performances by Newfoundland artists, including the Ennis Sisters and Alan Doyle from Great Big Sea. The facility typically holds 2,000 attendees, but Farwell told the media on Sept. 2 that he wouldn’t be surprised if 2,500 people squeezed in.

Town Memorialized

Gander’s story has also inspired other artistic works. The town’s hospitality was the inspiration for “Come From Away,” a stage musical achieving great success on Broadway.

The musical tells the story of the residents of Gander coming together to support what they referred to as the “plane people,” transforming schools and church halls into shelters and welcoming numerous travellers into their homes, offering food, hot showers, and comfort.

Farwell said an invite-only performance of “Come From Away” is planned for the dignitaries, which includes Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour, former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Premier Tony Wakeham, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson, and Hoekstra.

Hoekstra released a statement saying the 9/11 attacks left a lasting mark on him and the United States, but noted that the people of Newfoundland embodied what community really means during a difficult time.

“On this 25th anniversary, I am returning to say a heartfelt thank you not just on behalf of those who were stranded, but for an entire nation that remains moved by Gander’s generosity,” the ambassador said. “I look forward to meeting many of those who opened their hearts and homes and honouring the enduring bond built that week.”

Farwell said while Canada-U.S. relations have suffered due to the trade war between the countries, the events in Gander 25 years ago fall outside the scope of trade policy and political matters.

“The humanity of what happened here, I think that rises above the political discussions and all the other sabre rattling,” he said. “Hopefully this is a bit bigger than all that.”

The Canadian Press contributed to this report.