A Town of 10,000 Opened Its Heart to 7,000 Strangers
When U.S. airspace closed on September 11, 2001, the small town of Gander, Newfoundland took in 38 diverted planes and 7,000 stranded passengers — and showed the world what humanity looks like.
On September 11, 2001, airline passenger Jacqueline Pinto was flying home to New York from a vacation in Italy. During the flight, she heard the pilot announce a delay in landing. She did not realize how serious the situation was until her plane landed a thousand miles away at Gander International Airport in Newfoundland, Canada.
Hers was one of more than 250 flights forced to divert to Canada because of the closing of American airspace. Thirty-eight commercial flights touched down in Gander that day, carrying nearly 7,000 passengers — almost doubling the town's population overnight.
Local television issued a simple appeal: "Lend a hand, do what you can."
Gander answered.
Schools closed. Businesses shut down. Residents — from senior citizens to schoolchildren — poured in to volunteer. Churches, schools, and legion halls were converted into dormitories. Families opened their homes. Pharmacies provided free prescriptions. Public telephone banks were set up so passengers could call their families.
"For us, it was just every day," said Janice Goudie, a local newspaper reporter. "You don't turn your backs on people in need."
The town fed, sheltered, and cared for 7,000 strangers for five days. They organized tours, concerts, and bowling nights. They made sure nobody felt alone.
The passengers never forgot. When they finally flew home, they established a scholarship fund for Gander students. It started at $15,000. It grew to over $1 million, benefiting more than 200 students.
In the town of Appleton, nearby, a Peace Park was built featuring steel from the World Trade Center. Annual ceremonies continue to this day.
"There is goodness in the world that floats to the top in times of disaster," reflected Mayor Derm Flynn years later.
The story of Gander became the inspiration for the Broadway musical Come From Away — a reminder that in the darkest moments, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Originally reported by 9/11 Memorial & Museum