When the World Landed in Gander

On September 11, 2001, after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States, including 24 Canadians, American airspace was closed. More than 200 planes were diverted to Canada: this was Operation Yellow Ribbon. According to Transport Canada, more than 33,000 people found themselves grounded at Canadian airports, from Halifax to Vancouver.

In Gander, Newfoundland, 38 planes landed. The town had about 10,000 residents; for several days, it housed more than 6,500 travellers. Gyms, churches, community centres and private homes opened their doors. Pharmacies filled prescriptions for free. School bus drivers on strike left their picket line to take passengers wherever they needed to go. These strangers were called "come from aways," the local expression for people from somewhere else.

Gratitude found its way back. Aboard Delta Flight 15, whose passengers had been welcomed in Lewisporte, a traveller proposed over the PA system to create a scholarship for local young people. By the time the plane landed in Atlanta, $15,000 had been pledged. By 2021, the fund had passed the million-dollar mark and had supported 341 students at Lewisporte's high school.

On September 11 of this year, twenty-five years later, Gander held a commemorative ceremony attended by, among others, former prime minister Jean Chrétien and the United States ambassador, who came to say thank you. One question remains for all of us: the hospitality offered to strangers for a few days, can we also offer it to those who come to stay?