Gander, N.L., ceremony marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks

Flags of Canada, the United States and Newfoundland were carried into an arena in central Newfoundland on Friday as Gander marked 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks. Thousands attended, including military personnel, first responders and some of the passengers stranded there in 2001.

After hijackers took control of four aircraft and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Pennsylvania, 38 planes carrying more than 6,500 passengers were grounded in Gander. Residents filled churches and community halls with cots, food and clothing, and cared for the travellers for days. The town became a symbol of the kindness shown across Canada when flights were forced to land at airports nationwide.

Mayor Percy Farwell said the day was for remembering those who died and suffered, and for recognizing the humanity that emerged in 2001. He said the crisis reduced human relationships to what matters most: supporting, caring for and loving one another so people can endure challenges.

Jean Chrétien, who was Canada’s prime minister on Sept. 11, and Governor General Louise Arbour were among the dignitaries at the event. U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra was also expected to address the crowd. His visit came as Canada-U.S. relations face strain after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods last month and Canada responded with levies on American products.

Beverley Bass, who was piloting an American Airlines flight from Paris to Dallas on Sept. 11, said she expected to be diverted to Toronto or Montreal but was instead directed to Gander. She recalled seeing aircraft and vehicles filling every available space at the airport. Bass said Gander residents provided three meals a day, children’s parties and comfort to passengers and crew, and that many people did not want to leave on Sept. 15 because they feared returning to devastation in the United States.

In Banff, Alta., Prime Minister Mark Carney paid tribute to the victims and said Canadians stand with their American neighbours in mourning, remembrance and solidarity. He pointed to firefighters who climbed stairs to rescue people from burning buildings and rescue workers who laboured for weeks to bring closure, saying the response to darkness is to reach out and support one another.

Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre recalled in a video recorded at the Sept. 11 memorial in New York the generosity of Gander families and other Canadians who welcomed diverted passengers. Raphael Fusco, who was 17 when he and his father were travelling from Milan to Newark, N.J., said their diverted flight landed in Gander and they spent three nights sleeping on church pews in Lewisport, N.L. The musician said Canadians and Newfoundlanders welcomed passengers into their homes and gave them clothing, leaving him with a lasting memory of altruism, warmth and generosity.

About 100 invited guests also attended a commemoration in Ottawa, including representatives of the RCMP, the Canada Border Services Agency and other first responders.