Perhaps the most unlikely and certainly the most cheery event to emerge from the tragic September 11th events was the collective response of Gander, Newfoundland, to the unfolding disaster. On the morning and afternoon of September 11th, 38 planes were rerouted to Gander, transforming this remote Canadian town into a temporary shelter for more than 6,000 passengers and crew. Gander residents responded as if good deeds were the main business of their lives. They housed the stranded passengers in their homes, fed them, clothed them, even provided impromptu entertainment.
Perfect for fans of the musical Come From Away!
When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill. As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email, and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news.
Perfect for fans of the musical Come From Away!
When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill. As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email, and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news.
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland
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Product Details
BN ID: | 2940173745118 |
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Publisher: | HarperCollins |
Publication date: | 06/27/2017 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
Sales rank: | 643,363 |