It’s over 20 years. I STILL can’t watch Gander 911 without crying. I’m former USAF. Canada, especially Gander, stepped up on a horrible day for the USA. Terrorists showed us true evil. Canadians showed us the very best in people. I’ve always respected Canada. For 20 years I’ve LOVED Canada.🇺🇸🇨🇦
There is a stage play about this story. It's called "Come From Away". It's amazing if you get a chance to see it you'll love it. It won a Tony Award in New York on Broadway I believe.
It's incredible, I saw it in New York with the original cast and I must say it was pretty special to be in New York as a Canadian and see people learn about these incredible heroes.
I am a Newfoundlander. My wife and I went to Montana with our holiday trailer. We went to a campground to settle in for the evening but when we got to a campground the owner at the office told us that he didn"t have any campsites available. I asked him if there were any more campgrounds in the area and he said he heard an accent in my voice and asked where we are from. I said Newfoundland and he turned to his computer and pretended to press the keys on his keyboard and then said "Oh look, a campsite just became available." He said Americans Love Newfoundlanders after all we did for the 911 passengers and that he would never turn a Newfoundlander away. We were so greatful and so tired from driving. We were only staying one night. The next day we were on our way and we travelled further south in the states. On our way back we stopped into the same campsite in Montana. The owner had a campsite reserved for us not even knowing when we were coming back. We told him we would like to have a little campfire and if he sold wood. He said yes and before we could go back to buy the wood we seen him trotting down the road with a wheel barrel full of wood and told us it was no charge. So there are nice people everywhere. We met a lot of people in the US and they all treated us so nice. As Newfoundlanders we were taught to be kind to one another. Love your family and be thankful for your friends. I love this video you are showing and I am sure I will watch much more of your videos. Thank you for sharing.
Mert - This is why Canada is Canada. We don't need the adoration, the worldwide recognition, we just open our hearts and homes when people need people the most. So when someone says that Canadians are humble....now you know why. I'm so glad this touched your heart. I'm very proud to be a Newfoundlander and a Canadian. ❤
@@daisylovelock9553 We took the love we recieved from the rest of the world and George W. Bush squandered it by invading Iraq. A country that had nothing to do with it. As a soldier I felt if I died In Afghanistan than it would mean something. I felt if I died in Iraq it would be in vain. We handed Iraq to Iran. G. Bush wasnt the smartest person ever to be president.
Being from the US, I've always loved Canada and its people. One of my best friends is a Canadian living in the US. We are fortunate to have each other as neighbors.
What isint talked about is that the thousands of Canadian Firefighters, EMS, and Volunteers who went down to New York to assist in the recovery effort. The unselfishness of Canadians to come down to assist the USA in times of disaster over the years cannot be understated. Thats why the Northern States like Washington, New York, Michigan etc have such a close relationship with Canadians, probably more close then with their fellow southern Americans. Gander inspired faith in humanity.
They are all the wrong states. Woke morons. Have you seen the bullshit they have suffered through due to their useless policies? I wouldn't let a single Washington plate into Canada unless they were crying to get away from the violence and bullshit that their state gov't has foisted upon them. Those are actual political refugees.
It goes both ways though. America wouldn’t even ask any questions- they’d show up immediately and have our backs. That is why this relationship works so well and has such a deeeeeep connection. We will forever be there for one another. Canada will never again burn down the White House in red coats and if we do we will blame it on Britain.
One thing that this video does not speak to is that the manager of the Gander SPCA went into the cargo holds of the planes to get all of the pets (and a couple of exotic monkeys) out and looked after them until it was time for them to leave.
Flight 93 went down a short way from our home. 9/11 was a horrible day, but it also showed the bravery and courage of so many.! This includes the generosity of the people of Gander and Canada. Thank you from a grateful neighbor! God Bless!
Each and every Canadian is so proud of Gander and all of its people, as well of all the Canadian citizens and airports across the country who responded on 9/11. In total, according to Nav Canada, 238 flights, carrying over 33,000 passengers landed on Canadian soil and were fed, housed, cared for, and provided Canadian hospitality for the duration of their stay. It is just who we are. Chimo
Yeah, I remember that time. I was working in Edmonton. Everything stopped as we all watched the events of 9/11 in the breakroom. As we heard later of the aircraft landing in Canada, and Canadians looking after the passengers, I was never so proud to be Canadian.
Yes Halifax got 40 planes and 8000+ passengers as well. Lufthansa named a plane after Halifax. Halifax airport is actually in the tiny town of Enfield. It’s nice to talk about all the towns and Canadians who stepped up. Gander is a heart warming story and I love watching the shows about it. That compassion was seen in a lot of spots particularly on the East Coast.
I'm a Ganderite! I was born after all of this happened, but my aunt runs the local spca. A shame this video didn't touch on all the animals on the flights, including some exotic ones...A lot of people took the plane people into their homes as well. My grandparents had a family in their home. This story really makes me proud of where I come from. ❤
As well you should be very proud! Your aunt is an absolute hero. I, too, was disappointed thst Mr. Brokaw's piece neglected to mention your aunt's story, but I am pleased that she was recognized so well in the "Come From Away" play and in the CBC documentary about "Gander's Ripple Effect"! She absolutely deserves the respect.
Your town is different then the city i grew up in. I lived in the city of Mississauga, which had around 700-800 thousand people. Your town had 10000. I live in a much smaller city, which I call a town. I call it a town cause of the nature of the people as you walk the parks or waterfront. Im Mississauga someone you didnt know said hi, you felt like you were going to be robbed at the time. Where i am now, I say hi back.
@@codymiller9086 oh I know I'm in Barrie now. Still have friends in Sauga but at the time. I was in the Meadowvale area so I saw a lot of subdivision build including the Microsoft Office. Saw the population growth growing up. Fields we played in are houses/business.
America came to Canada’s aid when a munitions ship blew up in the harbour in Nova Scotia during the war. I believe it was the Great War. I think it was Boston doctors came to help the injured. There is a movie about it. Every year they bring a Christmas Tree to Boston every year from that time. We love our neighbours as family. 😊❤️🙏🇺🇸🇨🇦
My dad was a firefighter in southwestern Ontario (close to Toronto.) He was one of MANY Canadian emergency workers who went down to NYC to bring supplies and help out where they could. He would go back every year after for the memorial at ground zero for the next decade. I was in grade 6 when this happened and couldn’t comprehend it. I had only been scared by my dads work a few times, and this was one of them. My mom collected all of the news clippings and watched the news obsessively. This really impacted Canadians across the country.
Hi Mert. I'm a Newfoundlander and our accents (we have many) originate from different parts of the UK and Ireland. BTW my mother cooked for four days to help feed the plane people. Just a tidbit of history for you. We only joined Canada in 1949 and we were England's first colony - 1497.
Two of my favorite stories that came out of this was... 1. When they were trying to refill all the planes so people could go home. There was a passenger missing for 1 plane, a man from Nigeria or somewhere in Africa. After a lot of searching they found out he was one of the people that was staying in a town outside of Gander. When they got to the house they soon found out that he was taken out moose hunting! XD 2. There were a group of either Christian folks or straight up nuns from Eastern Europe, something like that, it's been a while since I saw the Canadian made documentary. They could barely speak a few words of english so what they ended up doing was getting a priest to pick out bible passages in order to communicate almost everything to them. The priest would pick out a passage in his bible and then the nuns would look up the same passage. It was just as beautiful as it was genius.
I've lived in Port Au Basques and many places in between, and first hand, see that Vancouver Islanders are quite similar in nature. It must be the salt air. 😊
I contained myself from bursting to cry but what broke the dam was the comment “there is good people in this world”. Something we all need to hear especially in this time of history.
I'm also taken by the logistics of how they physically managed to land all those planes safely. Gander Control had to coordinate the landing of 224 planes immediately with no plan and no notice. 75 ended up landing in Newfoundland with 38 landing in Gander alone. All big, widebody jets. It's amazing they all landed safely but even just finding a place to park them was a huge feat! There's a good show called "9/11: Cleared for Chaos" (on UA-cam) that delves deep into what Gander Control did that day. It's absolutely astounding. I still don't understand how they actually pulled it off.
Planes landed all over Canada that day. Those flying over the North Pole route landed here in Winnipeg. Volunteers housed and fed thousands in our own homes, sometimes for up to a week. Lifetime friendships were formed.
I live in Calgary and some of these planes did land here and in other western places (the ones coming over the Pacific when this shit got real). Not at all to the same degree as what happened in Gander, but nevertheless the solidarity *EVERYONE* felt when we took in all these stranded passengers remains engraved in our memories and in our hearts. This is how Canadians roll and I'm proud of my country and everyone's response. But Gander and Newfoundland took that to the next level, and they deserve special recognition.
Hi Mert, I'm from Newfoundland, and was here on September 11th. It was an unprecedented time, but to us, we took it as any other day - we saw people in need, and we took care of them. It's what we do. For each other, or for others. Part of our spirit is knowing when we need help, so we are always willing to give it in turn. Thank you for focusing on us. Much love brother
Newfoundlander here. This story gets me every time. Grew up in a small village but was living St. John’s at the time. Watched the horror unfold on TV and cried. I could do little other than donate what I could to help provide for those in need. Years later I went to New York, walked the Memorial and cried some more. We had travelled there to see our friend sing with her choir at Carnegie Hall. On one of their evenings off, they were going to Broadway to see Come From Away, my travel buddy and I were attending the same night. Unknown to the theatre, the actors and the attendees, at the end of the show, the choir, whom scattered throughout the theatre, stood and started to sing the Ode to Newfoundland. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! The pride to be a Newfoundlander was overwhelming and the awareness and thanks I had for how I was raised to help those around me, was never more profound. It will forever stay in my heart. This was a nearly insurmountable event but it was the little things that everyone did that made it a little more bearable. The little things matter. Do what you can for those around you to make their day a little easier, even if it is just a smile or a nice greeting. Love from NL ❤
Canadian from Ontario. A sad, sad day I will NEVER forget. I remember how helpless I felt (among many other Canadians I’m sure). It’s times like these that remind us how close we are with our American friends/neighbours 😢
Thank you for this. Most Canadians step up to the plate on call, but no one does it better, or represents our vast country better than those in the Maritimes. Newfoundlander's are a cut above the rest, and I say that with absolute sincerity, being that I am a westerner from Alberta. From far and wide oh Canada we stand on guard for thee.
I appreciate the spirit of your comment but Newfoundland is not a part of the Maritimes and generally get annoyed/offended when referred to that way. The Maritimes were the earliest founding members of Canada, Newfoundland resisted joining until we had no other choice after WW2. This is why you will hear the 4 provinces referred to as "Atlantic Canada", because Newfoundland is not a maritime.
Hi mert I’m a Newfoundlander, I very proud to be a newfie. When this happen on 9/11 I was working at my local Walmart and heard what happened. I think everyone was in a state of shock for what happen. God bless all
Thank you from New Brunswick, but I'm sure that the rest of Canada would step up too. Like the lade said early in the documentary, when it happens you put yourself in their shoes and wonder how they'd be feeling, and you'd do for them what you would appreciate what they would do for you. But Maritimers are a part of Canada, and if it was the west coast or central Canada, i don't think the story would be different.
Im Canadian and remember when this happened. But every time I see this video on the internet I watch it and it gets me every time!So very proud of my fellow Canadians 🇨🇦🇨🇦
I was on a C-train to SAIT when it happened. A person was listening to the radio and told us about it. Getting to school, we heard more. We went to the library and put on the news on their big screen in the media room. We were watching live on a large screen projection when the second plane hit.
As a Canadian senior woman, I have fallen in love with this young man and his sensitive heart. His sense of humour adds to my enjoyment of his video program. I am definitely a new fan. Looking forward to more viewing of Mert Can.
one of my favorite stories from gander during this period was, people would take stranded airline passengers on rides around to show the area and of course to be as newfies are, one woman gave her contact information to a gentleman if they wish to keep in touch, the gentleman handled his business card from a hotel chain, she asked; " oh, you work for them?. " no, i own the company." She then realized she was showing the sights to one of the owners of one of the richest hotel chain in the the world, however, at that moment, he was just a person that needed a a friend in a strange place. the history of Gander is little known today around the world, but there are points in history where this town stood bright in some of the darkest times in history, but you'll never here them brag about it
I'm Scottish and Irish Canadian and the East Coast is where we arrived. I'm in Ontario, but I can tell you my neighbours have helped me. I them. Especially during Covid. Canadians step up. Peace from Canada 🇨🇦
Just want to add: Newfoundlanders aren't just like this in times of crisis. Go hitchhiking in Newfoundland, you'll get picked up in no time, and they're likely to invite you to their house for a home cooked meal (and maybe some screech!) and even offer a bed for the night if you want. Newfoundlanders are a very special kind of people. Much love to them from this flatlander (Sask).
They actually wrote a musical around Gander called “Come From Away.” There’s a beautiful CBC doc called “Gander’s Ripple Effect,” and in it, the composers told a story about when they were interviewing the residents to write the book, one said, “Let me get this straight: you’re writing a play about a town who made sandwiches?” The humility is just extraordinary. They staged two performances of it in Gander, and I cry every time watching the audience cheer for the artists at the finale. I highly, highly recommend it.
In Vancouver, BC we also had a similar experience. Though being a large city and not a small town like Gander makes Gander's experience much more amazing. In Vancouver we had 34 Jumbo Jets arrive here that were destined for US airports from all around the Pacific Rim. That amounted to 8,00 people that had to be housed and fed and it was done. It was an amazing time and showing of humanity's ability to care for their fellow man.
@@heatheryoung7898 Jeez, I didn't intend for anyone to get offended! I know it was an amazing job by the people of Gander and said so in my post. I only meant to say that you were not alone in the situation. Sorry that you were offended by a mere statement of fact. It's not a contest.
@@glenbucketI wouldn't have thought anyone would have gotten offended about this, it wasn't like the planes coming from Asia and the Pacific region were going to fly all the way to the East to land.
I am from Musgrave Hr. NFLD, located 1 hr from Gander. I will never forget that day as I spotted hundreds of planes up above me. Many communities surrounding Gander that day also help out . I also heard of other stories coming out from Vancouver, BC which also made me proud of my fellow Canadians. Whether you were one person helping in one community from one province or helping many from several communities, from multiple provinces, we together has Canadians got the job done.
This documentary barely scratches the surface of the logistics and how hard people worked to house, clothe, feed and comfort so many devastated people who were lost physically, spititually and emotionally. There was a group of terminal "Wish" children on their way to Florida and the people of Gander put on a party for them and one father said, "It doesn't matter that she didn't get to Disneyworld, she had a great time and she's happy." They had a party for ALL of the children, not just the "Make a wish" kids so as to not leave anyone out. They rescued animals that were stuck in the cargo holds, some for a couple of days and some needing medications. They set up hundreds of computers and phones for the people to contact loved ones, all free of charge. They had parties with "Newfie" music to cheer them up.
The Canadian stereotype of being kind, polite, helping your neighbor, and doing what needs to be done to survive in communities like Gander and the rest of our hinterland and rural towns is why it is a privilege to be from and be a Canadian.
@@michellerenner6880 There is the movie I have not seen called 'Diverted' that isnt that good in ratings. The documentary 'You are Here' is also a thing. What you really must see though is actually the musical 'Come From Away' Looks like 2024 tour dates already selling.
This, to me, is what most Canadians are proud of and want for the world. Being good humans to each other. Being caring and helpful. Thank you to the people of Newfoundland for your shining example of how we all should be.
One thing to think about. The Atlantic provinces were on the first line of support during both World Wars; last port of call before Europe for all ships heading east. It’s in our blood to just get on with it.
AUG 31/23. We MUST continue to care about other Canadians. Look at the rise in lack of LIFE NORMS in the USA. Leave a legacy of "love........he aint heavy, he's my brother, (sister, friend, neighbour...........🫶🌲❣
My city in NB happens to have an international airport and landed quite a few planes during that horrific event. I took three days off school, volunteering, doing whatever needed to run supplies back and forth to the shelters. Setting up beds etc. I met so many great people i will never forget. If there is a silver lining to that tradegy, it was that.
I’m from NL, but I’ve been living in NB since 2005. I’ve wondered so many times why we hear so little of NB’s involvement to help the stranded folks affected by this tragedy. Is there any monument, writings, etc that I available to see, read?
@Landon Decker none im personally aware of. Not saying that there isn't. Just none of them i know of. I do remember a parade of sorts in 2017 in moncton, in memory the victims, and the first responders. Other than that, that's all I know. Edit: also a belated welcome to New Brunswick.
Thank you, to you and all the people who so kindly and generously stepped up to help! You've absolutely earned the respect and gratitude for everything that you did. You've done your city, your province, and Canada proud! ❤🇨🇦❤ Edit: corrected a typo. Oops! Sorry about that.
@Carol Murphy No need for thanks. But i appreciate it. It's just what i hope most people would do (i hope anyway) have to admit. I slept for two days afterwards.
I was on a flight that landed in Halifax and spent several days in suburban Sackville. It was a surreal experience- I was the recipient of amazing hospitality and kindness. I will never forget it.
Newfoundland’ers have an extra warmth to them that I have never experienced anywhere else. Even if you’re just ordering a coffee in a coffee shop it’s “What can I get for you m’luv (my love).” This story isn’t just about a community pulling together in a time of crisis, it’s more specifically about the absolute selflessness that is a part of this province’s culture. One person hit the nail on the head when they said one of the volunteers felt like their mother. That’s exactly it 🙌🙌🙌
I am blessed to live in Gander, NL On Sep 11 I was not here in Gander because I was a member of the Canadian Forces and ironically enough was at an airport in New Brunswick heading to Ontario for training, life changed immediately 😢 I travelled a lot during my career but Newfoundland always was and always will be home. I am so blessed to have been born and raised here I personally know all of the people involved in the “Come From Away” Musical and the stories since 9/11 are just as heartwarming, many people around the world who were part of “ the plane people” (a term used with only love) still come back to reconnect, a group of the “plane people” donated a beautiful little park. I just wanted to say thank you for spreading the love and kindness
I remember the day this attack happened. Gander was simply amazing with all those planes,people and pets landing. They fed and housed all those people and showed them love and support. They are nothing short of heroes. I live on Vancouver Island BC. The city of Vancouver received planes too but not the scale that little Gander did. Simply amazing! Love and respect to all who pitched in and helped.❤
Hey fellow Islander! I'm in Comox, wherabaouts are you? & I couldn't agree more, Gander & the other places that took people in exemplify the Canadian spirit. ❤🇨🇦
@@valeriedeforge5961 Campbell River is absolutely gorgeous. I've always wanted to go scuba diving with the large red octopus you have up there. They're so cool. I grew up in Comox but currently live in Courtenay. Other than the prices of things here I think we're lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Hope you're well 😊✌
Nova Scotia here, on that day my father woke me and said "you gotta get up, a plane just hit the world trade center." That began a very long day, I was 22 at the time. Our new coverage announced about the planes headed to NFL as a Canadian this made me proud as I knew the Newfie's would treat'm right as they sure did. Every happy and fun stereo type about Canadians is a direct result of Newfie's, they are the best of us and I'll fight anyone that says different. I'm proud to be Canadian because of reasons like this.
There’s another documentary about this time in Gander. One American from New York asked why the people of Gander were so generous “well, you’d do the same for us”. The American quite frankly said that no, they wouldn’t. The people of Newfoundland are some of the most generous people you will ever meet.
AMEN, poverty is the blessing that founded NFLD. iF YOU HAD 2 FISH AND YOUR NEIGHBOUR HAD NONE YOU SHARED, SOME DAY HE WANTED TO RETURN THE KINDNESS!! It will take generations to change that but I hope never!
I had the absolute honour and pleasure of travelling to Newfoundland the summer before 9/11 for a choir tour that we did. The place, the people, everything just blew me away and safe to say, I left a part of my heart there. The people were so cheerful and inviting, the culture is incredible, if I had another chance to visit, I'd take it in a heartbeat. I wasn't old enough to become an Honourary Newfie tho. I need to fix that and go kiss a Cod lol.
Share a cod dinner, Remember Jesus fed fish to the people because its a cold blooded animal and feels no pain like the spud from PEI. Newfies kind hearts comes from somewhere
I’m a Newfoundlander. The kind spirit and generosity that u see in this documentary is not an isolated incident. When anyone is in need the community comes together to help. For example if someone’s house burns down, the community cleans it up and builds a new one for the family. This kindness is an every day occurrence. I cried during the entire video because I’m so proud of them. The world would be a better place if people in situations would think hmmm what would a Newfie do? Lol
Thank you for showing this documentary. I knew the story of what my fellow Canadians did for the stranded passengers. But I watched this again because we all need to be reminded of what can be done for others when the need arises. We are all here on this planet Earth and we will all be best served if we look out for one another and remember that good far outweighs evil acts. Thank you again. Love your inspirational videos and discussions. 👏👏🇨🇦🇨🇦
Well said! Me too- I have seen both the documentary - a much more in-depth documentary- sad yet so many wonderful happenings and I also saw the theatre production! Proud to be a Canadian! Tears every time I watch!
Our Newfoundland brothers are excellent ambassadors. Don’t forget all of Canada stood up. Many communities supported aircraft, but in my 24 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces it’s the only time we were all stood up. While the Pentagon burned, Canada was ready too defend America. Our aircraft were in the air, our ships and Army were on notice too move. Ask my wife, I disappeared for 48 hours on our first day unpacking a move. Two years later I was in Afghanistan .
My respect and gratitude to you for such an incredibly long service to Canada and our people! And my gratitude, as well, to your family for all they experienced, especially the worry of having someone they love being deployed to places where lives are threatened and, unfortunately, lost. Thank you, from Newfoundland and Labrador. 🇨🇦❤
Thank you for your service.I was 5 miles from the Pentagon when the plane crashed into it. The earth shook like an earthquake n then seeing the black smoke. The 4th plane flight 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania( it was said that 93 was headed for the Capital in DC or the White House) but the passengers knew they had to take action to prevent the terrorists to head for DC. So alot of the passengers called home to tell them they loved them n I think the last words from one man was " LETS GO" They were heros by making the plane crash in a field in PA.
I live in Comox where we have CFB Comox. All our boys were ready to defend us & our American brothers that day. So proud of Canada. Thank you so very much for your service!❤🇨🇦
I remember people going to the airport in Halifax to pick up people to give them a place to stay. Some folk went away disappointed there were no passengers left to help.
It affected people all over the world. My sister was on her honeymoon in Cuba. On 9/11 she was in a Cuban Airport with her brand new Pakistani husband. They were not allowed to travel and they were not allowed to leave the airport. When they finally made it home to Canada, he was demoted (as he was Muslim and his job requirements included frequent air travel and the tight restrictions made it extremely difficult).
On the way home, a woman drew up a makeshift donation list to help the people of Gander and to say thanks. By the time they landed in Atlanta, the passengers and crew had pledged $15,000. Today, the endowment fund exceeds $1 million, and 341 students of Lewisporte Collegiate school have earned scholarships. Recipients have gone on to become doctors, teachers, and engineers. You would hope anyone would show their kindness in emergency, but this wee place went above and beyond.Its so moving ❤
I grew up in North Dakota, USA, south of Manitoba, Canada, long before passports were required between our countries. Along that border between one state and one province, between two countries, is a beautiful and well tended garden of flowers and trees that bloom when the snow and ice finally melt and spring weather comes. My family took many trips to that garden, known as the International Peace Gardens. There were no barriers, no standing guards. Children from both sides played together throughout the gardens. One of our favorite things was to exchange coins with our new friends and spend them in shops back home. I never ran into a storekeeper who refused to accept Canadian coins. We were so much more than children from two countries; we were friends. Gandar and its people are the adult reflection of the friendshiip shared by children in the garden so many years ago.
I live in Halifax. We took 40 planes on 9/11, but to a much, much larger region. Similar efforts were made here to help the stranded. What we did was remarkable. But what the people of Gander did was miraculous.
Seconding that *"Come From Away"* is amazing; I've never seen it live, but just listening to the soundtrack had me in tears. It's so, so good. Deserves all the awards it won. The amazing thing about this event is that none of the airports in Canada (or the other countries which also took in US-bound flights) knew that any of those planes were safe. The whole reason the planes were all forced to land was because no one knew how many more of them might be hijacked and ready to blow up. Imagine the fear and bravery of all the air traffic controllers and airport workers guiding all those unknown aircraft down into their cities, wondering if they were going to be going home that night, or if one of those planes was a time bomb.
My best friend is married to a Canadian (he's one of the nicest people I've ever met), and I've visited Canada - but before 9/11. It's a beautiful country with a ton of wonderful people. We here in the US are lucky to have a good relationship with a neighboring country.
The events of 9/11, and the response by Gander , is very much a tale of the darkness and the light. Gander, and all of the Atlantic provinces ( a lot of others helped out as well), proved that light will defeat the the darkness, evil deeds by evil people cannot stop love for our fellow man. We need to carry that, and live it, without the tragedy. I am so proud of my fellow Canadians !!
I'm a Canadian truck driver who was in Lansing Michigan that morning. Before the border shut down completely they allowed us to cross back into Canada but trucks entering the US could not. What a site. Trucks for miles west bound. East bound wide open.
I was born and raised in Port Huron, MI. We complain about Canadian drivers and the exchange rate, and I'm sure it's the same in Sarnia, but it's like siblings pestering each other. When push comes to shove, it's all love ❤️🤍💙 ❤️🤍
I always appreciate UA-camrs reacting to this story because as you've said, no one really knows anything about it. I live in Halifax Nova Scotia, our airport landed 40 planes here that day. It was very scary because by that point we all know what happened in NY and of course we didn't know who was on these planes but we moved forward and our city mobilized with hundreds of volunteers to help all the passengers that we had to accommodate, we are the capital city of Nova Scotia so it was easier for us to have the resources to help the passengers, but I know myself I was scared for several days, I still remember watching CNN on TV that day as I was at work in the Shopping Mall and my manager called to tell me what was going on, I couldn't comprehend what she was telling me so I went to the store next to mine as it was a Sony store and they had there big screen TVs on showing the news live and as I looked it was of the the first Tower on fire and then I remember seeing that second plane coming from behind the towers and then that huge fireball. I knew it was a commercial jet right away and I was just sick to my stomach thinking all those people on that plane, the terror they must of felt, that day was so scary. But feel very proud about how my city helped as well as the phenomenal help that Gander provided! ❤️
Being from Newfoundland, this is heart warming to see the reactions of various people who see this video. We are a proud people, we are a caring and generous people. But, what the people of Gander, St. John's and Stephenville did during 911 was a testament to the enduring beauty of the human spirit. Thank you for sharing this with your community.
Interesting side note. Gander was the shining star of that time but Canadians accross the country came out to help. I live in Vancouver. Our resources weren't stretched like Gander but many homes were opened to stranded passengers here as well, so I believe it was a coast to coast effort...Newfoundland being the epicenter. After 9/11 Canada refused to participate in what we viewed as an illegal war in Iraq. Many Americans turned on their Canadian cousins but the plane people defended Canada and Canadians.
I was in grade 5 on 9/11, coming from an RCAF family, my Father was an Air Navigator, I know that Operation Yellow Ribbon was massive and I am very proud to be Canadian 🎗🎗
I just had to add mert, I'm watching you react to this you are one of the kind of sensitive guys you are so respectful and you can see this really touched you thank you, PS you have a lovely awesome accent I think you would fit right in 😊❤️
I live in downtown Toronto and I've travelled alot around the world. I have NEVER met such kind, wonderful and generous people as the people of Newfoundland. This story sheds light on these wonderful people. Thank you :)
Awesome! Another unsung hero in these happenings I have read About in Gander, was the local lady from the SPCA. She offered to bring out all of the onboard animals who were still in the cargo bay. People couldn't go and get them, but she could. And she watched over all of the animals. I have only read about this but I am sure it is true. And if you decide to do the ripple effect of Gander, lol you may be giving everyone insight to everything Newfoundland. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! But when you do get to Saskatchewan don't forget to look up how the RCMP/Mounties get trained... their main port of training is there in Depot. You were able to do a brilliant job on how you reacted to this and kept your emotions in check! (Sorry I forgot to tell You about the emotional side of this story). But you did a great job!! Can't wait to see where we go next! So much to learn and do in the Maritime provinces and Quebec. Like the way to make maple syrup at the Garland sugar factory in Ontario to Anne of Green Gables a literary legend in Prince Edward Island. Well so much to do all over Canada really going to be hard to choose lol
I remember exactly where I was on that day. It was just 12 days before my 14th birthday. I was at school and no one bothered trying to teach anything, every tv was set up in a classroom and the projector in the auditorium was playing the news. I had a paper route and was told to delay so that an insert could be printed to add to the paper. The whole day was like walking through a fog. Canadians were rocked just as much by this tragedy, we mourned as well. It wouldn't have occurred to any one of us not to do everything we could.
As a western Canadian, I can say you're bang with your take about Newfoundlanders having a next level sense of community and just being true kind people. It is known throughout the rest of the country. It's a hard place and an old place where people have only survived because they know to take care of each other.
I was not anywhere near this disaster in London, Ontario but I was sent home from my office building that day. Very proud of my Canadian fellows who helped out all of those airline passengers. You almost pronounce Newfoundland correctly Mert. Slainte
There is an incredible musical that was made about this, called "Come from Away". Might be fun to watch/listen to it. It's got incredible music, and such a touching story that tells all of this that happened.
I am from Newfoundland I was in Grade 10 when this tragedy happened. I remember I was in Global Issues class and our teacher took us down to the library to watch what was happening. Shortly after this happened our school was closed and we were made to go home to be with our families. I am proud to say I am from there. We are known as the friendliest people in Canada, we always say we would give you the shirt off our backs if you needed it. My father is really well known in our community, he volunteers with the Lions Club and he is the post-man. He would give you anything you needed even if he didn't have it. We are truly people who love to help others in need. My father is known for his baking and loves to share that with everyone in our community.
Newfoundland folks are special. Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are often first responders to tragedies off our coasts. If I can describe it I'd say we feel a sense of gratitude when we are allowed to help. But in Newfoundland especially there is a sense of familiarity with strangers that might be off putting if it weren't for their charm. If Canadians are considered friendly, Newfoundlanders are probably considered the friendliest of the friendlies. I'm from Nova Scotia but a lot of Newfoundlanders come here to work so we have a pretty close relationship with them. For some reason people out west often mix up Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Maybe it is because we have differing dialects from the rest of Canada. I was working in Halifax, Nova Scotia when 9/11 happened. We got a lot of flights too and I was pretty scared because my father worked at the airport and we didn't know if someone would try to blow up the airport in lieu of not getting the targets they wanted. The airport is well outside of the heavily populated area of Halifax so we didn't fear for ourselves. But unlike Gander, Nova Scotia is more populated and we had access to more resources to help the passengers. We might have what could be descried as a sibling rivalry sometimes going on with the US but when push comes to shove, we remember they are family and we were all just devastated like we lost our own people. Since the Broadway show about what went on in Gander, it is weird hearing people use the term "come from away" which you tend to only hear in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia to describe people not from here. To hear a broadway play called "Come from Away" being a big hit was strange. I'm so proud of my fellow Atlantic Canadians and other Canadians who helped all those passengers through a difficult time. If you are interested in learning more about the Newfoundland dialects there is a pretty funny video with Newfoundland comedian Mark Critch only 9:20 mins long ua-cam.com/video/zqLuIXwsLDw/v-deo.html the accents vary depending where you're at in Newfoundland. Same with Nova Scotia. Here is short one on the Cape Breton, Nova Scotia accent just 3:13 long ua-cam.com/video/nXkamp46eZI/v-deo.html and the other is more of a general Nova Scotian terminology/phrasing 3:52 long ua-cam.com/video/eR2lxKvPBnY/v-deo.html. Atlantic Canada has more dialects than anywhere else in Canada. We are kind of in our own linguistic zone probably similar to Britain.
I grew up in Gander, but I moved to Ontario in 1987. My mom used to work at the Gander Airport - "The Crossroads of the World" - it was once called due to its importance as a refueling station during WWII. Anyway, I've known about Gander's contribution during 9/11, but watching your reaction to this video filled me with emotion - especially pride - and gave me pause to appreciate how lucky we Canadians truly are. Newfoundlanders are truly the best of Canada. God bless Newfoundland!
Earlier this year I drove from central Ontario to St. John's, Newfoundland for school. The night before getting to St. John's, I stayed overnight in Gander. As a Canadian, it was a surprisingly emotional experience for me to see the airport and to sleep in a hotel that would've likely been used to house passengers after 9/11. Newfoundlanders are an incredibly resilient and community-oriented people who find joy and humour during the toughest of times. When there are big snow storms and choppy waters, sometimes grocery stores won't have fresh produce stocked. And you always gotta have your storm chips ready (potato chips you buy before the storm). The province is also home to a cardiac disease, ARVC, that has led to the very premature deaths of many Newfoundlanders (and still does), but I'm happy to report that a genetic discovery was made in 2008 and with preventative implanted defibrillators, many Newfoundlanders who inherited the disease are now able to live significantly longer lives.
I remember this day so vividly...I worked in a place literally down the road from CYVR...Vancouver International Airport, you'd usually hear aircraft all day long, 2 hours into the work day a silence in the sky was just weird...knowing what happened on the east coast, just one event you never ever forget.
I'm from Newfoundland and I just started to watch your videos about a week ago from your hockey reaction videos. Now you conveniently do a reaction to my provinces hospitality on that day of 9/11. Love it and its 100% right man, you just have to be kind to one another and everything can be so much better
This is Canada and it brings tears to my eyes. Many others across Canada gave help to Gander as well. Grown men aren't supposed to cry but I did. Great reaction to a tragic event.
First responders from EVERY part of Canada went to NY to help. They haven’t received as much recognition either. I don’t think they expect it at all but it was an amazing response from every corner of Canada. Thank you Gander! 🇨🇦
I was very young when this happened and didn't know the gravity of the situation. I remember showing up at school (Toronto) the day after to help set up a bunch of beds in the gymnasium, while other students help put care packages together. We were off school for the next few days after that.
Thank you for reacting to this!! One story I want to know more about is a fireman who was whistling Irish tunes as he climbed up the tower, rescuing people. He was last seen still climbing and still whistling away.
I'm Canadian front northern Ontario...I've been to gander...newfoundland people are the most hospitable freibdky and giving people in the world...they made all us Canadians proud...great video Mert❤
I'm from Newfoundland, I remember this vividly. I live in St. John's, and at the time every organization or store you went to had donation boxes, banks had donation accounts set up, everyone did their bit. But the people of Gander and the surrounding communities really stepped up. I have family in the town of Lewisporte, where a number of folks were set up. There were a number of locals that posted signs on their front steps to invite the stranded to go in a take a shower while the home owners were at work. Many came back over the years to show appreciation, building playgrounds, school scholarships or just to reconnect with those that helped in the hour of need.
Nothing sweeter than a Newfoundland accent... It does ring of Irish. And expressions like.. Instead of "where ya goin? ", it's "where ya to?.. Too cute. You can tell a Newfoundlander as soon as they speak. The rest of us Canadians treasure their sincerity, humour and kindness. 🇨🇦❤️
A Canadian here, living in the US and this video has made me so homesick. No one ever left our house without a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. It's just the way it was.
I love Canada, always have. Proud to have them as our neighbor? About thirty years ago Canada came to our rescue again. There were a lot of American hostages in Iran. Canada's ambassador figured out how to get the hostages out. That was risky for them. I passed a billboard that said, THANK YOU CANADA! I am happy to be a neighbor with this wonderful country.
Thank you for this. Like you, my emotions went all over the place. The show ‘ Come from Away’ is equally emotional. I am married to a Newfoundlander so this all has special meaning for us. Thanks again.
This is why Canada is Canada. We don't need the adoration, the worldwide recognition, we just open our hearts and homes when people need people the most. So when someone says that Canadians are humble....now you know why. I'm very proud to be a Canadian. My husband is a Newfoundlander. His family was there. Canada will always come together to aid anyone in trouble. That is who we are as a nation.
I am a chef and at the time I was cooking in Halifax. We went 24/7 cooking for people stranded in shelters until they could fly again. Such a tragic time, but it showed how people can come together when it really matters.
Gander stepped up twice in this way. An American plane full of military personnel crashed into the ocean just off shore from Gander. It is a good uplifting story once you get past all that that died in the crash. Families descended on Gander and once again they took care of everyone.
You are a fine gentleman Mert. My 75 year old Newfie father was flying back home with his nephew on Sept.11 in the morning to St. John's Newfoundland from Toronto, when their plane was put down in Moncton New Brunswick. By the 4th or 5th day after the event, I was ready to drive from Kitchener, Ontario down east to get them and bring them home, but they did get back a couple of days later. Wow, what a time. I heard many stories about what they did sleeping on cots in a auditorium, and knowing my Newfoundlander dad I wasn't surprised at the antics they got up to and am sure he brightened the days of many people around him. If he had had his accordion I'm sure he would have been playing some Irish tunes. I'm so proud to be half Newfie and to be his daughter.
I've lived at the other end of Canada for my entire life - I'm 57 - and I have some friends from Newfoundland here on Vancouver Island. I have never met a Newfoundlander that i didn't like. They are the friendliest, and by far the the funniest, people that exist.
Mert, I'm having heart palpitations just watching this. It launches me back to that day when I watched this unfold live on the news. My aunt and uncle were living in Stephenville Newfoundland which was another landing site for the planes. My aunt was fluent in English, French and Spanish and they rushed to help out. My aunt translated for so many people who needed medication, special diets and other special needs. They also let 2 families stay in their home while they were volunteering. Our family is so proud of what they were able to do.
I lived in Central NY for 34 years. I've always loved and respected Canada. I worked in local auto racing for about 10 years. Canadian drivers race in NY on our tracks and we always honor them with their country's anthem, and when our drivers go there, the extend the same courtesy. It's just what we do. It's our mutual love of nature and the wilderness coupled with the fact we used to easily be able to traverse back and forth and experience each other's cultures and enjoy our time in their beautiful country. When 9/11 happened, it got a little harder for us to travel back and forth if it wasn't for work. It's still harder today than ever to cross the borders without extensive searches of your belongings etc. so it doesn't have that same warm welcoming feel anymore, but that's just the experience at the border. Once you're in Canada, it's the same old warm welcome it always was. My parents befriended a couple from London, Ontario on their honeymoon and stayed friends for many years. We visited and kept in touch for a long time. I've never spent more than one night in Canada but that country feels like a second home to me in a lot of ways.
I am from Newfoundland. I know a few Scottish people. They all love it here. And from your video’s, I guaranty, a friendly person like yourself, would be welcomed with open arms! Thanks for doing this. We appreciate. If you visit, you and your family can stay at our cabin! Cheers buddy!
It’s over 20 years. I STILL can’t watch Gander 911 without crying. I’m former USAF. Canada, especially Gander, stepped up on a horrible day for the USA. Terrorists showed us true evil. Canadians showed us the very best in people. I’ve always respected Canada. For 20 years I’ve LOVED Canada.🇺🇸🇨🇦
we canadians like to help people.
And we love you❤ thabk you for your service!
There is a stage play about this story. It's called "Come From Away". It's amazing if you get a chance to see it you'll love it. It won a Tony Award in New York on Broadway I believe.
It's incredible, I saw it in New York with the original cast and I must say it was pretty special to be in New York as a Canadian and see people learn about these incredible heroes.
@Netjak me too! not sure if original cast, but we went in may of 2019.
I’ve seen it live last year but the movie is a Hyper fixation and I listen/watch it weekly.
I cry every time I see it
There is a really good documentary made about the making of the Broadway play on UA-cam. ua-cam.com/video/LTNDRvUqVQA/v-deo.html
I am a Newfoundlander. My wife and I went to Montana with our holiday trailer. We went to a campground to settle in for the evening but when we got to a campground the owner at the office told us that he didn"t have any campsites available. I asked him if there were any more campgrounds in the area and he said he heard an accent in my voice and asked where we are from. I said Newfoundland and he turned to his computer and pretended to press the keys on his keyboard and then said "Oh look, a campsite just became available." He said Americans Love Newfoundlanders after all we did for the 911 passengers and that he would never turn a Newfoundlander away. We were so greatful and so tired from driving. We were only staying one night. The next day we were on our way and we travelled further south in the states. On our way back we stopped into the same campsite in Montana. The owner had a campsite reserved for us not even knowing when we were coming back. We told him we would like to have a little campfire and if he sold wood. He said yes and before we could go back to buy the wood we seen him trotting down the road with a wheel barrel full of wood and told us it was no charge. So there are nice people everywhere. We met a lot of people in the US and they all treated us so nice.
As Newfoundlanders we were taught to be kind to one another. Love your family and be thankful for your friends.
I love this video you are showing and I am sure I will watch much more of your videos. Thank you for sharing.
As a texan and an american, thank you for helping our country
Mert - This is why Canada is Canada. We don't need the adoration, the worldwide recognition, we just open our hearts and homes when people need people the most. So when someone says that Canadians are humble....now you know why. I'm so glad this touched your heart. I'm very proud to be a Newfoundlander and a Canadian. ❤
Absolutely!! Very well said
We know the strength of Canada, and appreciate it. Your country is held in very high esteem by so many of us in Europe 💕
I did hear about this in the days following 9/11 though. But Canada is our closest ally. Maybe tied with Great Britain.
@@daisylovelock9553 We took the love we recieved from the rest of the world and George W. Bush squandered it by invading Iraq. A country that had nothing to do with it. As a soldier I felt if I died In Afghanistan than it would mean something. I felt if I died in Iraq it would be in vain. We handed Iraq to Iran. G. Bush wasnt the smartest person ever to be president.
Being from the US, I've always loved Canada and its people. One of my best friends is a Canadian living in the US. We are fortunate to have each other as neighbors.
What isint talked about is that the thousands of Canadian Firefighters, EMS, and Volunteers who went down to New York to assist in the recovery effort. The unselfishness of Canadians to come down to assist the USA in times of disaster over the years cannot be understated. Thats why the Northern States like Washington, New York, Michigan etc have such a close relationship with Canadians, probably more close then with their fellow southern Americans. Gander inspired faith in humanity.
The Canadian Firefighters and EMTs deeked across the border before it got locked down.
They are all the wrong states. Woke morons. Have you seen the bullshit they have suffered through due to their useless policies? I wouldn't let a single Washington plate into Canada unless they were crying to get away from the violence and bullshit that their state gov't has foisted upon them. Those are actual political refugees.
@@ksisu1324 right! My dad was one of them
It goes both ways though. America wouldn’t even ask any questions- they’d show up immediately and have our backs. That is why this relationship works so well and has such a deeeeeep connection. We will forever be there for one another. Canada will never again burn down the White House in red coats and if we do we will blame it on Britain.
@@allytrudie864 the halifax explosion America came to help us
One thing that this video does not speak to is that the manager of the Gander SPCA went into the cargo holds of the planes to get all of the pets (and a couple of exotic monkeys) out and looked after them until it was time for them to leave.
Flight 93 went down a short way from our home. 9/11 was a horrible day, but it also showed the bravery and courage of so many.! This includes the generosity of the people of Gander and Canada. Thank you from a grateful neighbor! God Bless!
Each and every Canadian is so proud of Gander and all of its people, as well of all the Canadian citizens and airports across the country who responded on 9/11. In total, according to Nav Canada, 238 flights, carrying over 33,000 passengers landed on Canadian soil and were fed, housed, cared for, and provided Canadian hospitality for the duration of their stay. It is just who we are. Chimo
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my comment and then giving it a 'like'. Chimo
TRUE
Very proud to be a Canadian and what the Canadian people in new Resident did for those people that they was unbelievable
Yeah, I remember that time. I was working in Edmonton. Everything stopped as we all watched the events of 9/11 in the breakroom. As we heard later of the aircraft landing in Canada, and Canadians looking after the passengers, I was never so proud to be Canadian.
Yes Halifax got 40 planes and 8000+ passengers as well. Lufthansa named a plane after Halifax. Halifax airport is actually in the tiny town of Enfield. It’s nice to talk about all the towns and Canadians who stepped up. Gander is a heart warming story and I love watching the shows about it. That compassion was seen in a lot of spots particularly on the East Coast.
I'm a Ganderite! I was born after all of this happened, but my aunt runs the local spca. A shame this video didn't touch on all the animals on the flights, including some exotic ones...A lot of people took the plane people into their homes as well. My grandparents had a family in their home. This story really makes me proud of where I come from. ❤
As well you should be very proud! Your aunt is an absolute hero. I, too, was disappointed thst Mr. Brokaw's piece neglected to mention your aunt's story, but I am pleased that she was recognized so well in the "Come From Away" play and in the CBC documentary about "Gander's Ripple Effect"! She absolutely deserves the respect.
Your town is different then the city i grew up in. I lived in the city of Mississauga, which had around 700-800 thousand people. Your town had 10000. I live in a much smaller city, which I call a town. I call it a town cause of the nature of the people as you walk the parks or waterfront. Im Mississauga someone you didnt know said hi, you felt like you were going to be robbed at the time. Where i am now, I say hi back.
If your aunt is half of how she’s portrayed in Come From Away, she is a LEGEND!!
@@BWBDCan bro gander had a population of 10k. Lol i live downtown toronto sauga has a population of almost a million now lol. Huge difference😂
@@codymiller9086 oh I know I'm in Barrie now. Still have friends in Sauga but at the time. I was in the Meadowvale area so I saw a lot of subdivision build including the Microsoft Office. Saw the population growth growing up. Fields we played in are houses/business.
I just love the fact that Gander had only two cops in its force ❤
And yes they didn't carry guns.only the RCMP carried them back then.
I grew up in a small town here in Canada that had no police.
Thank you Canada, we as Americans are so thankful for what you have done for our people in time of need. May God richly bless you all.
No thanks needed, just pass on the kindness ❤🇨🇦
America came to Canada’s aid when a munitions ship blew up in the harbour in Nova Scotia during the war. I believe it was the Great War. I think it was Boston doctors came to help the injured. There is a movie about it. Every year they bring a Christmas Tree to Boston every year from that time. We love our neighbours as family. 😊❤️🙏🇺🇸🇨🇦
We love you!
We are bond together usa Canada forever!
😊❤
My dad was a firefighter in southwestern Ontario (close to Toronto.) He was one of MANY Canadian emergency workers who went down to NYC to bring supplies and help out where they could. He would go back every year after for the memorial at ground zero for the next decade. I was in grade 6 when this happened and couldn’t comprehend it. I had only been scared by my dads work a few times, and this was one of them. My mom collected all of the news clippings and watched the news obsessively. This really impacted Canadians across the country.
Hi Mert. I'm a Newfoundlander and our accents (we have many) originate from different parts of the UK and Ireland. BTW my mother cooked for four days to help feed the plane people. Just a tidbit of history for you. We only joined Canada in 1949 and we were England's first colony - 1497.
Another tidbit: ....Newfies can precisely punch open beer cans...... FACT..... i seen it 😜😍😍
We should screech him in, eh maid?
Bless your mother!!!
It's a mix of Irish, Scottish, British, French and First Nations.
the french we're here first... well second british third 🤣 my family are the Barrons from nfldnd
Two of my favorite stories that came out of this was...
1. When they were trying to refill all the planes so people could go home. There was a passenger missing for 1 plane, a man from Nigeria or somewhere in Africa. After a lot of searching they found out he was one of the people that was staying in a town outside of Gander. When they got to the house they soon found out that he was taken out moose hunting! XD
2. There were a group of either Christian folks or straight up nuns from Eastern Europe, something like that, it's been a while since I saw the Canadian made documentary. They could barely speak a few words of english so what they ended up doing was getting a priest to pick out bible passages in order to communicate almost everything to them. The priest would pick out a passage in his bible and then the nuns would look up the same passage. It was just as beautiful as it was genius.
YAS!!!! that is the most NL thing ever HAHAHAHAHA
Love the moose hunting story. That's Newfoundland for sure!
To be Canadian is to welcome others and to accept that Maritimers are the best of us.❤
Cheers from B.C.
Wow, what an incredible compliment 🥰 love from Nova Scotia
@@kateaa It's a fact.😊
I've lived in Port Au Basques and many places in between, and first hand, see that Vancouver Islanders are quite similar in nature. It must be the salt air. 😊
I contained myself from bursting to cry but what broke the dam was the comment “there is good people in this world”. Something we all need to hear especially in this time of history.
@Maggie Barrett No shame in that, friend. I've wiped a happy tear here myself. It's a happy reminder that we're here for one another in this space. 😊
I'm also taken by the logistics of how they physically managed to land all those planes safely. Gander Control had to coordinate the landing of 224 planes immediately with no plan and no notice. 75 ended up landing in Newfoundland with 38 landing in Gander alone. All big, widebody jets. It's amazing they all landed safely but even just finding a place to park them was a huge feat!
There's a good show called "9/11: Cleared for Chaos" (on UA-cam) that delves deep into what Gander Control did that day. It's absolutely astounding. I still don't understand how they actually pulled it off.
Wow. What a great story to hear. I was unaware. I’m in MB🇨🇦 I’ve been through NL. My niece lives there now. ♥️🥰 I loved NL. GORGEOUS Province.
As a Newfoundlander, I'm so proud of where I come from. The people are the best.
From the sorta big Vancouver island of BC to you The biggest island we love you and make us Canadians so proud XOXOXOXOX
Planes landed all over Canada that day. Those flying over the North Pole route landed here in Winnipeg. Volunteers housed and fed thousands in our own homes, sometimes for up to a week. Lifetime friendships were formed.
I live in Calgary and some of these planes did land here and in other western places (the ones coming over the Pacific when this shit got real). Not at all to the same degree as what happened in Gander, but nevertheless the solidarity *EVERYONE* felt when we took in all these stranded passengers remains engraved in our memories and in our hearts.
This is how Canadians roll and I'm proud of my country and everyone's response. But Gander and Newfoundland took that to the next level, and they deserve special recognition.
Hi Mert, I'm from Newfoundland, and was here on September 11th. It was an unprecedented time, but to us, we took it as any other day - we saw people in need, and we took care of them. It's what we do. For each other, or for others. Part of our spirit is knowing when we need help, so we are always willing to give it in turn. Thank you for focusing on us. Much love brother
That’s right. From another proud Newfoundlander.
Absolutely. As a proud 3rd gen BCer ❤
Newfoundlander here. This story gets me every time. Grew up in a small village but was living St. John’s at the time. Watched the horror unfold on TV and cried. I could do little other than donate what I could to help provide for those in need.
Years later I went to New York, walked the Memorial and cried some more. We had travelled there to see our friend sing with her choir at Carnegie Hall. On one of their evenings off, they were going to Broadway to see Come From Away, my travel buddy and I were attending the same night. Unknown to the theatre, the actors and the attendees, at the end of the show, the choir, whom scattered throughout the theatre, stood and started to sing the Ode to Newfoundland. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had!
The pride to be a Newfoundlander was overwhelming and the awareness and thanks I had for how I was raised to help those around me, was never more profound. It will forever stay in my heart.
This was a nearly insurmountable event but it was the little things that everyone did that made it a little more bearable. The little things matter. Do what you can for those around you to make their day a little easier, even if it is just a smile or a nice greeting. Love from NL ❤
Canadian from Ontario. A sad, sad day I will NEVER forget. I remember how helpless I felt (among many other Canadians I’m sure). It’s times like these that remind us how close we are with our American friends/neighbours 😢
Thank you for this. Most Canadians step up to the plate on call, but no one does it better, or represents our vast country better than those in the Maritimes. Newfoundlander's are a cut above the rest, and I say that with absolute sincerity, being that I am a westerner from Alberta. From far and wide oh Canada we stand on guard for thee.
I appreciate the spirit of your comment but Newfoundland is not a part of the Maritimes and generally get annoyed/offended when referred to that way. The Maritimes were the earliest founding members of Canada, Newfoundland resisted joining until we had no other choice after WW2. This is why you will hear the 4 provinces referred to as "Atlantic Canada", because Newfoundland is not a maritime.
@@JHMJ6 My apologies.
@@JHMJ6 That is interesting, I did not know! Thanks for clarifying!
Hi mert
I’m a Newfoundlander, I very proud to be a newfie. When this happen on 9/11 I was working at my local Walmart and heard what happened. I think everyone was in a state of shock for what happen. God bless all
Thank you from New Brunswick, but I'm sure that the rest of Canada would step up too. Like the lade said early in the documentary, when it happens you put yourself in their shoes and wonder how they'd be feeling, and you'd do for them what you would appreciate what they would do for you. But Maritimers are a part of Canada, and if it was the west coast or central Canada, i don't think the story would be different.
When we needed it the most, you were our home away from home!
Thank you Gander, we will NEVER forget!
Im Canadian and remember when this happened. But every time I see this video on the internet I watch it and it gets me every time!So very proud of my fellow Canadians 🇨🇦🇨🇦
I was on a C-train to SAIT when it happened. A person was listening to the radio and told us about it. Getting to school, we heard more. We went to the library and put on the news on their big screen in the media room.
We were watching live on a large screen projection when the second plane hit.
my school rolled out a tv into the cafeteria and we were allowed to skip class and watch the events of 9/11 when it happened.
As a Canadian senior woman, I have fallen in love with this young man and his sensitive heart. His sense of humour adds to my enjoyment of his video program. I am definitely a new fan. Looking forward to more viewing of Mert Can.
one of my favorite stories from gander during this period was, people would take stranded airline passengers on rides around to show the area and of course to be as newfies are, one woman gave her contact information to a gentleman if they wish to keep in touch, the gentleman handled his business card from a hotel chain, she asked; " oh, you work for them?. " no, i own the company." She then realized she was showing the sights to one of the owners of one of the richest hotel chain in the the world, however, at that moment, he was just a person that needed a a friend in a strange place. the history of Gander is little known today around the world, but there are points in history where this town stood bright in some of the darkest times in history, but you'll never here them brag about it
What a beautiful story. I’d never heard that before.
I'm Scottish and Irish Canadian and the East Coast is where we arrived. I'm in Ontario, but I can tell you my neighbours have helped me. I them. Especially during Covid. Canadians step up. Peace from Canada 🇨🇦
Just want to add: Newfoundlanders aren't just like this in times of crisis. Go hitchhiking in Newfoundland, you'll get picked up in no time, and they're likely to invite you to their house for a home cooked meal (and maybe some screech!) and even offer a bed for the night if you want. Newfoundlanders are a very special kind of people. Much love to them from this flatlander (Sask).
They actually wrote a musical around Gander called “Come From Away.” There’s a beautiful CBC doc called “Gander’s Ripple Effect,” and in it, the composers told a story about when they were interviewing the residents to write the book, one said, “Let me get this straight: you’re writing a play about a town who made sandwiches?” The humility is just extraordinary. They staged two performances of it in Gander, and I cry every time watching the audience cheer for the artists at the finale. I highly, highly recommend it.
In Vancouver, BC we also had a similar experience. Though being a large city and not a small town like Gander makes Gander's experience much more amazing. In Vancouver we had 34 Jumbo Jets arrive here that were destined for US airports from all around the Pacific Rim. That amounted to 8,00 people that had to be housed and fed and it was done. It was an amazing time and showing of humanity's ability to care for their fellow man.
We had 75 planes... by's, can anyone out West let us have just one thing?
@@heatheryoung7898 Jeez, I didn't intend for anyone to get offended! I know it was an amazing job by the people of Gander and said so in my post. I only meant to say that you were not alone in the situation. Sorry that you were offended by a mere statement of fact. It's not a contest.
@@glenbucketI wouldn't have thought anyone would have gotten offended about this, it wasn't like the planes coming from Asia and the Pacific region were going to fly all the way to the East to land.
I am from Musgrave Hr. NFLD, located 1 hr from Gander. I will never forget that day as I spotted hundreds of planes up above me. Many communities surrounding Gander that day also help out .
I also heard of other stories coming out from Vancouver, BC which also made me proud of my fellow Canadians. Whether you were one person helping in one community from one province or helping many from several communities, from multiple provinces, we together has Canadians got the job done.
@@heatheryoung7898 yes OF COURSE , what you did is extraordinary, and this Canadian is EXTREMELY proud of Nfld and Labrador. Come from away!
This documentary barely scratches the surface of the logistics and how hard people worked to house, clothe, feed and comfort so many devastated people who were lost physically, spititually and emotionally. There was a group of terminal "Wish" children on their way to Florida and the people of Gander put on a party for them and one father said, "It doesn't matter that she didn't get to Disneyworld, she had a great time and she's happy." They had a party for ALL of the children, not just the "Make a wish" kids so as to not leave anyone out. They rescued animals that were stuck in the cargo holds, some for a couple of days and some needing medications. They set up hundreds of computers and phones for the people to contact loved ones, all free of charge. They had parties with "Newfie" music to cheer them up.
The Canadian stereotype of being kind, polite, helping your neighbor, and doing what needs to be done to survive in communities like Gander and the rest of our hinterland and rural towns is why it is a privilege to be from and be a Canadian.
As a Canadian, I second that and agree with you 100% that Gander's 9/11 Story should be made into a movie!
It has been.
@@michellerenner6880 There is the movie I have not seen called 'Diverted' that isnt that good in ratings. The documentary 'You are Here' is also a thing.
What you really must see though is actually the musical 'Come From Away' Looks like 2024 tour dates already selling.
It’s been made into a Tony winning musical, “Come from Away”, and I highly encourage every Canadian see it.
@@prairiemakeup8453saw it in London, England. Wonderful. Went back to the US thankful.
Agree. It would make a great change from marvel stuff.
This, to me, is what most Canadians are proud of and want for the world.
Being good humans to each other. Being caring and helpful.
Thank you to the people of Newfoundland for your shining example of how we all should be.
One thing to think about. The Atlantic provinces were on the first line of support during both World Wars; last port of call before Europe for all ships heading east. It’s in our blood to just get on with it.
I'm a British Colubian, this story made me cry. I hope we Canadians can continue to be good humans. congratulations Gander, we all love you
Same. Love from Vancouver island ❤
I too, hope that we can remain a kinder, gentler and forgiving people.
AUG 31/23. We MUST continue to care about other Canadians. Look at the rise in lack of LIFE NORMS in the USA. Leave a legacy of "love........he aint heavy, he's my brother, (sister, friend, neighbour...........🫶🌲❣
My city in NB happens to have an international airport and landed quite a few planes during that horrific event. I took three days off school, volunteering, doing whatever needed to run supplies back and forth to the shelters. Setting up beds etc. I met so many great people i will never forget. If there is a silver lining to that tradegy, it was that.
I’m from NL, but I’ve been living in NB since 2005. I’ve wondered so many times why we hear so little of NB’s involvement to help the stranded folks affected by this tragedy. Is there any monument, writings, etc that I available to see, read?
@Landon Decker none im personally aware of. Not saying that there isn't. Just none of them i know of. I do remember a parade of sorts in 2017 in moncton, in memory the victims, and the first responders.
Other than that, that's all I know.
Edit: also a belated welcome to New Brunswick.
Thank you, to you and all the people who so kindly and generously stepped up to help! You've absolutely earned the respect and gratitude for everything that you did. You've done your city, your province, and Canada proud! ❤🇨🇦❤
Edit: corrected a typo. Oops! Sorry about that.
@Carol Murphy No need for thanks. But i appreciate it. It's just what i hope most people would do (i hope anyway) have to admit. I slept for two days afterwards.
I was on a flight that landed in Halifax and spent several days in suburban Sackville. It was a surreal experience- I was the recipient of amazing hospitality and kindness. I will never forget it.
Newfoundland’ers have an extra warmth to them that I have never experienced anywhere else. Even if you’re just ordering a coffee in a coffee shop it’s “What can I get for you m’luv (my love).” This story isn’t just about a community pulling together in a time of crisis, it’s more specifically about the absolute selflessness that is a part of this province’s culture. One person hit the nail on the head when they said one of the volunteers felt like their mother. That’s exactly it 🙌🙌🙌
I am blessed to live in Gander, NL On Sep 11 I was not here in Gander because I was a member of the Canadian Forces and ironically enough was at an airport in New Brunswick heading to Ontario for training, life changed immediately 😢
I travelled a lot during my career but Newfoundland always was and always will be home. I am so blessed to have been born and raised here I personally know all of the people involved in the “Come From Away” Musical and the stories since 9/11 are just as heartwarming, many people around the world who were part of “ the plane people” (a term used with only love) still come back to reconnect, a group of the “plane people” donated a beautiful little park.
I just wanted to say thank you for spreading the love and kindness
I remember the day this attack happened. Gander was simply amazing with all those planes,people and pets landing. They fed and housed all those people and showed them love and support. They are nothing short of heroes. I live on Vancouver Island BC. The city of Vancouver received planes too but not the scale that little Gander did. Simply amazing! Love and respect to all who pitched in and helped.❤
Hey fellow Islander! I'm in Comox, wherabaouts are you? & I couldn't agree more, Gander & the other places that took people in exemplify the Canadian spirit. ❤🇨🇦
@@loriburnip Hello Lori! I'm just in Campbell River not to far from you. We're a couple of Islanders tee hee. ❤
@@valeriedeforge5961 Campbell River is absolutely gorgeous. I've always wanted to go scuba diving with the large red octopus you have up there. They're so cool. I grew up in Comox but currently live in Courtenay. Other than the prices of things here I think we're lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Hope you're well 😊✌
Nova Scotia here, on that day my father woke me and said "you gotta get up, a plane just hit the world trade center." That began a very long day, I was 22 at the time. Our new coverage announced about the planes headed to NFL as a Canadian this made me proud as I knew the Newfie's would treat'm right as they sure did. Every happy and fun stereo type about Canadians is a direct result of Newfie's, they are the best of us and I'll fight anyone that says different. I'm proud to be Canadian because of reasons like this.
I still cry every time I watch this doc. Proud of my fellow Canadians and heartbroken for all the families displaced and lost loved ones.
There’s another documentary about this time in Gander. One American from New York asked why the people of Gander were so generous “well, you’d do the same for us”. The American quite frankly said that no, they wouldn’t. The people of Newfoundland are some of the most generous people you will ever meet.
She must have been from LA. Not a small town in America wouldn’t have done what gander did. We would have done it in a moment.
AMEN, poverty is the blessing that founded NFLD. iF YOU HAD 2 FISH AND YOUR NEIGHBOUR HAD NONE YOU SHARED, SOME DAY HE WANTED TO RETURN THE KINDNESS!! It will take generations to change that but I hope never!
Re: New Yorkers would definitely help.
I had the absolute honour and pleasure of travelling to Newfoundland the summer before 9/11 for a choir tour that we did. The place, the people, everything just blew me away and safe to say, I left a part of my heart there. The people were so cheerful and inviting, the culture is incredible, if I had another chance to visit, I'd take it in a heartbeat.
I wasn't old enough to become an Honourary Newfie tho. I need to fix that and go kiss a Cod lol.
Share a cod dinner, Remember Jesus fed fish to the people because its a cold blooded animal and feels no pain like the spud from PEI. Newfies kind hearts comes from somewhere
I’m a Newfoundlander. The kind spirit and generosity that u see in this documentary is not an isolated incident. When anyone is in need the community comes together to help. For example if someone’s house burns down, the community cleans it up and builds a new one for the family. This kindness is an every day occurrence. I cried during the entire video because I’m so proud of them. The world would be a better place if people in situations would think hmmm what would a Newfie do? Lol
You may take the person out of Newfoundland, but you cant take the Newfie out of the person.
Thank you for showing this documentary. I knew the story of what my fellow Canadians did for the stranded passengers. But I watched this again because we all need to be reminded of what can be done for others when the need arises. We are all here on this planet Earth and we will all be best served if we look out for one another and remember that good far outweighs evil acts. Thank you again. Love your inspirational videos and discussions. 👏👏🇨🇦🇨🇦
Well said! Me too- I have seen both the documentary - a much more in-depth documentary- sad yet so many wonderful happenings and I also saw the theatre production! Proud to be a Canadian! Tears every time I watch!
Anyone who has been to Newfoundland will tell you just how awesome these people are.
Planes landed at cities across Canada, and people were looked after. Gander’s story is extraordinary because such a small population took in so many.
Such an amazing story - have heard it many times and could listen to it over and over. Really makes me proud to say I'm a a Canadian.
Our Newfoundland brothers are excellent ambassadors. Don’t forget all of Canada stood up. Many communities supported aircraft, but in my 24 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces it’s the only time we were all stood up. While the Pentagon burned, Canada was ready too defend America. Our aircraft were in the air, our ships and Army were on notice too move. Ask my wife, I disappeared for 48 hours on our first day unpacking a move. Two years later I was in Afghanistan .
My respect and gratitude to you for such an incredibly long service to Canada and our people! And my gratitude, as well, to your family for all they experienced, especially the worry of having someone they love being deployed to places where lives are threatened and, unfortunately, lost. Thank you, from Newfoundland and Labrador. 🇨🇦❤
Thank you for your service and your country’s heroism 🇺🇸❤️🇨🇦
Thank you for your service.I was 5 miles from the Pentagon when the plane crashed into it. The earth shook like an earthquake n then seeing the black smoke. The 4th plane flight 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania( it was said that 93 was headed for the Capital in DC or the White House) but the passengers knew they had to take action to prevent the terrorists to head for DC. So alot of the passengers called home to tell them they loved them n I think the last words from one man was " LETS GO" They were heros by making the plane crash in a field in PA.
I live in Comox where we have CFB Comox. All our boys were ready to defend us & our American brothers that day. So proud of Canada. Thank you so very much for your service!❤🇨🇦
Thank you brother 🇺🇸🦅🇨🇦.
I remember people going to the airport in Halifax to pick up people to give them a place to stay. Some folk went away disappointed there were no passengers left to help.
Yep. That sounds like an absolutely authentic Canadian reaction.
We love to be useful.😊
Same in Fredericton, once I heard there was a need, the need was no longer there.
It affected people all over the world. My sister was on her honeymoon in Cuba. On 9/11 she was in a Cuban Airport with her brand new Pakistani husband. They were not allowed to travel and they were not allowed to leave the airport. When they finally made it home to Canada, he was demoted (as he was Muslim and his job requirements included frequent air travel and the tight restrictions made it extremely difficult).
On the way home, a woman drew up a makeshift donation list to help the people of Gander and to say thanks. By the time they landed in Atlanta, the passengers and crew had pledged $15,000. Today, the endowment fund exceeds $1 million, and 341 students of Lewisporte Collegiate school have earned scholarships.
Recipients have gone on to become doctors, teachers, and engineers. You would hope anyone would show their kindness in emergency, but this wee place went above and beyond.Its so moving ❤
I grew up in North Dakota, USA, south of Manitoba, Canada, long before passports were required between our countries. Along that border between one state and one province, between two countries, is a beautiful and well tended garden of flowers and trees that bloom when the snow and ice finally melt and spring weather comes. My family took many trips to that garden, known as the International Peace Gardens. There were no barriers, no standing guards. Children from both sides played together throughout the gardens. One of our favorite things was to exchange coins with our new friends and spend them in shops back home. I never ran into a storekeeper who refused to accept Canadian coins. We were so much more than children from two countries; we were friends. Gandar and its people are the adult reflection of the friendshiip shared by children in the garden so many years ago.
I live in Halifax. We took 40 planes on 9/11, but to a much, much larger region. Similar efforts were made here to help the stranded. What we did was remarkable. But what the people of Gander did was miraculous.
Seconding that *"Come From Away"* is amazing; I've never seen it live, but just listening to the soundtrack had me in tears. It's so, so good. Deserves all the awards it won. The amazing thing about this event is that none of the airports in Canada (or the other countries which also took in US-bound flights) knew that any of those planes were safe. The whole reason the planes were all forced to land was because no one knew how many more of them might be hijacked and ready to blow up. Imagine the fear and bravery of all the air traffic controllers and airport workers guiding all those unknown aircraft down into their cities, wondering if they were going to be going home that night, or if one of those planes was a time bomb.
So glad you watched this. So heartwarming. So proud to be Canadian.
Proud to be a Newfoundlander. Helping others out when you can gets everyone ahead.
My best friend is married to a Canadian (he's one of the nicest people I've ever met), and I've visited Canada - but before 9/11. It's a beautiful country with a ton of wonderful people. We here in the US are lucky to have a good relationship with a neighboring country.
The events of 9/11, and the response by Gander , is very much a tale of the darkness and the light. Gander, and all of the Atlantic provinces ( a lot of others helped out as well), proved that light will defeat the the darkness, evil deeds by evil people cannot stop love for our fellow man. We need to carry that, and live it, without the tragedy. I am so proud of my fellow Canadians !!
I'm a Canadian truck driver who was in Lansing Michigan that morning. Before the border shut down completely they allowed us to cross back into Canada but trucks entering the US could not. What a site. Trucks for miles west bound. East bound wide open.
I was born and raised in Port Huron, MI. We complain about Canadian drivers and the exchange rate, and I'm sure it's the same in Sarnia, but it's like siblings pestering each other. When push comes to shove, it's all love ❤️🤍💙 ❤️🤍
I always appreciate UA-camrs reacting to this story because as you've said, no one really knows anything about it. I live in Halifax Nova Scotia, our airport landed 40 planes here that day. It was very scary because by that point we all know what happened in NY and of course we didn't know who was on these planes but we moved forward and our city mobilized with hundreds of volunteers to help all the passengers that we had to accommodate, we are the capital city of Nova Scotia so it was easier for us to have the resources to help the passengers, but I know myself I was scared for several days, I still remember watching CNN on TV that day as I was at work in the Shopping Mall and my manager called to tell me what was going on, I couldn't comprehend what she was telling me so I went to the store next to mine as it was a Sony store and they had there big screen TVs on showing the news live and as I looked it was of the the first Tower on fire and then I remember seeing that second plane coming from behind the towers and then that huge fireball. I knew it was a commercial jet right away and I was just sick to my stomach thinking all those people on that plane, the terror they must of felt, that day was so scary. But feel very proud about how my city helped as well as the phenomenal help that Gander provided! ❤️
Being from Newfoundland, this is heart warming to see the reactions of various people who see this video. We are a proud people, we are a caring and generous people. But, what the people of Gander, St. John's and Stephenville did during 911 was a testament to the enduring beauty of the human spirit. Thank you for sharing this with your community.
Interesting side note. Gander was the shining star of that time but Canadians accross the country came out to help. I live in Vancouver. Our resources weren't stretched like Gander but many homes were opened to stranded passengers here as well, so I believe it was a coast to coast effort...Newfoundland being the epicenter. After 9/11 Canada refused to participate in what we viewed as an illegal war in Iraq. Many Americans turned on their Canadian cousins but the plane people defended Canada and Canadians.
I've been to every province in Canada and the people of the East coast are truly the very best.
I was in grade 5 on 9/11, coming from an RCAF family, my Father was an Air Navigator, I know that Operation Yellow Ribbon was massive and I am very proud to be Canadian 🎗🎗
I just had to add mert, I'm watching you react to this you are one of the kind of sensitive guys you are so respectful and you can see this really touched you thank you, PS you have a lovely awesome accent I think you would fit right in 😊❤️
I shouldn’t have watched this on my lunch break at work….too many tears! But an incredible story.
I live in downtown Toronto and I've travelled alot around the world. I have NEVER met such kind, wonderful and generous people as the people of Newfoundland. This story sheds light on these wonderful people. Thank you :)
Awesome! Another unsung hero in these happenings I have read About in Gander, was the local lady from the SPCA. She offered to bring out all of the onboard animals who were still in the cargo bay. People couldn't go and get them, but she could. And she watched over all of the animals. I have only read about this but I am sure it is true. And if you decide to do the ripple effect of Gander, lol you may be giving everyone insight to everything Newfoundland. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! But when you do get to Saskatchewan don't forget to look up how the RCMP/Mounties get trained... their main port of training is there in Depot. You were able to do a brilliant job on how you reacted to this and kept your emotions in check! (Sorry I forgot to tell You about the emotional side of this story). But you did a great job!! Can't wait to see where we go next! So much to learn and do in the Maritime provinces and Quebec. Like the way to make maple syrup at the Garland sugar factory in Ontario to Anne of Green Gables a literary legend in Prince Edward Island. Well so much to do all over Canada really going to be hard to choose lol
In the stage musical, Come From Away," her story is mentioned.
I remember exactly where I was on that day. It was just 12 days before my 14th birthday. I was at school and no one bothered trying to teach anything, every tv was set up in a classroom and the projector in the auditorium was playing the news. I had a paper route and was told to delay so that an insert could be printed to add to the paper. The whole day was like walking through a fog.
Canadians were rocked just as much by this tragedy, we mourned as well. It wouldn't have occurred to any one of us not to do everything we could.
As a western Canadian, I can say you're bang with your take about Newfoundlanders having a next level sense of community and just being true kind people. It is known throughout the rest of the country. It's a hard place and an old place where people have only survived because they know to take care of each other.
I was not anywhere near this disaster in London, Ontario but I was sent home from my office building that day.
Very proud of my Canadian fellows who helped out all of those airline passengers.
You almost pronounce Newfoundland correctly Mert. Slainte
There is an incredible musical that was made about this, called "Come from Away". Might be fun to watch/listen to it. It's got incredible music, and such a touching story that tells all of this that happened.
Mainland canadians often joke about "Newfies", but we all respect the friendliness and generosity of all the maritimers - it is legendary !
I am from Newfoundland I was in Grade 10 when this tragedy happened. I remember I was in Global Issues class and our teacher took us down to the library to watch what was happening. Shortly after this happened our school was closed and we were made to go home to be with our families. I am proud to say I am from there. We are known as the friendliest people in Canada, we always say we would give you the shirt off our backs if you needed it. My father is really well known in our community, he volunteers with the Lions Club and he is the post-man. He would give you anything you needed even if he didn't have it. We are truly people who love to help others in need. My father is known for his baking and loves to share that with everyone in our community.
Newfoundland folks are special. Newfoundland and Nova Scotia are often first responders to tragedies off our coasts. If I can describe it I'd say we feel a sense of gratitude when we are allowed to help. But in Newfoundland especially there is a sense of familiarity with strangers that might be off putting if it weren't for their charm. If Canadians are considered friendly, Newfoundlanders are probably considered the friendliest of the friendlies. I'm from Nova Scotia but a lot of Newfoundlanders come here to work so we have a pretty close relationship with them. For some reason people out west often mix up Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Maybe it is because we have differing dialects from the rest of Canada.
I was working in Halifax, Nova Scotia when 9/11 happened. We got a lot of flights too and I was pretty scared because my father worked at the airport and we didn't know if someone would try to blow up the airport in lieu of not getting the targets they wanted. The airport is well outside of the heavily populated area of Halifax so we didn't fear for ourselves. But unlike Gander, Nova Scotia is more populated and we had access to more resources to help the passengers. We might have what could be descried as a sibling rivalry sometimes going on with the US but when push comes to shove, we remember they are family and we were all just devastated like we lost our own people.
Since the Broadway show about what went on in Gander, it is weird hearing people use the term "come from away" which you tend to only hear in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia to describe people not from here. To hear a broadway play called "Come from Away" being a big hit was strange. I'm so proud of my fellow Atlantic Canadians and other Canadians who helped all those passengers through a difficult time.
If you are interested in learning more about the Newfoundland dialects there is a pretty funny video with Newfoundland comedian Mark Critch only 9:20 mins long ua-cam.com/video/zqLuIXwsLDw/v-deo.html the accents vary depending where you're at in Newfoundland. Same with Nova Scotia. Here is short one on the Cape Breton, Nova Scotia accent just 3:13 long ua-cam.com/video/nXkamp46eZI/v-deo.html and the other is more of a general Nova Scotian terminology/phrasing 3:52 long ua-cam.com/video/eR2lxKvPBnY/v-deo.html. Atlantic Canada has more dialects than anywhere else in Canada. We are kind of in our own linguistic zone probably similar to Britain.
God bless this comment, from a Newfie
I love that Mark Critch video!
i know this is much later after this was posted but i remember it well. Newfies are the best of who we are and I am happy they are part of Canada.
This story made me cry happy tears.
As an American, all I can say to Canadians is "Thank you from the bottom of my heart!" 🇨🇦🇺🇲
I grew up in Gander, but I moved to Ontario in 1987. My mom used to work at the Gander Airport - "The Crossroads of the World" - it was once called due to its importance as a refueling station during WWII.
Anyway, I've known about Gander's contribution during 9/11, but watching your reaction to this video filled me with emotion - especially pride - and gave me pause to appreciate how lucky we Canadians truly are. Newfoundlanders are truly the best of Canada. God bless Newfoundland!
Earlier this year I drove from central Ontario to St. John's, Newfoundland for school. The night before getting to St. John's, I stayed overnight in Gander. As a Canadian, it was a surprisingly emotional experience for me to see the airport and to sleep in a hotel that would've likely been used to house passengers after 9/11. Newfoundlanders are an incredibly resilient and community-oriented people who find joy and humour during the toughest of times. When there are big snow storms and choppy waters, sometimes grocery stores won't have fresh produce stocked. And you always gotta have your storm chips ready (potato chips you buy before the storm).
The province is also home to a cardiac disease, ARVC, that has led to the very premature deaths of many Newfoundlanders (and still does), but I'm happy to report that a genetic discovery was made in 2008 and with preventative implanted defibrillators, many Newfoundlanders who inherited the disease are now able to live significantly longer lives.
I remember this day so vividly...I worked in a place literally down the road from CYVR...Vancouver International Airport, you'd usually hear aircraft all day long, 2 hours into the work day a silence in the sky was just weird...knowing what happened on the east coast, just one event you never ever forget.
I'm from Newfoundland and I just started to watch your videos about a week ago from your hockey reaction videos. Now you conveniently do a reaction to my provinces hospitality on that day of 9/11. Love it and its 100% right man, you just have to be kind to one another and everything can be so much better
This is Canada and it brings tears to my eyes. Many others across Canada gave help to Gander as well. Grown men aren't supposed to cry but I did. Great reaction to a tragic event.
First responders from EVERY part of Canada went to NY to help. They haven’t received as much recognition either. I don’t think they expect it at all but it was an amazing response from every corner of Canada. Thank you Gander! 🇨🇦
I was very young when this happened and didn't know the gravity of the situation.
I remember showing up at school (Toronto) the day after to help set up a bunch of beds in the gymnasium, while other students help put care packages together. We were off school for the next few days after that.
Thank you for reacting to this!!
One story I want to know more about is a fireman who was whistling Irish tunes as he climbed up the tower, rescuing people. He was last seen still climbing and still whistling away.
I'm Canadian front northern Ontario...I've been to gander...newfoundland people are the most hospitable freibdky and giving people in the world...they made all us Canadians proud...great video Mert❤
There are good and bad people everywhere but i agree people in Ontario are the worst people in Canada
I'm from Newfoundland, I remember this vividly. I live in St. John's, and at the time every organization or store you went to had donation boxes, banks had donation accounts set up, everyone did their bit. But the people of Gander and the surrounding communities really stepped up. I have family in the town of Lewisporte, where a number of folks were set up. There were a number of locals that posted signs on their front steps to invite the stranded to go in a take a shower while the home owners were at work. Many came back over the years to show appreciation, building playgrounds, school scholarships or just to reconnect with those that helped in the hour of need.
Thank you for sharing this. Proud to be Canadian. 🙏
Nothing sweeter than a Newfoundland accent... It does ring of Irish. And expressions like.. Instead of "where ya goin? ", it's "where ya to?.. Too cute. You can tell a Newfoundlander as soon as they speak. The rest of us Canadians treasure their sincerity, humour and kindness. 🇨🇦❤️
A Canadian here, living in the US and this video has made me so homesick. No one ever left our house without a cup of coffee and a bite to eat. It's just the way it was.
I love Canada, always have. Proud to have them as our neighbor? About thirty years ago Canada came to our rescue again. There were a lot of American hostages in Iran. Canada's ambassador figured out how to get the hostages out. That was risky for them. I passed a billboard that said, THANK YOU CANADA! I am happy to be a neighbor with this wonderful country.
Thank you for this. Like you, my emotions went all over the place. The show ‘ Come from Away’ is equally emotional.
I am married to a Newfoundlander so this all has special meaning for us. Thanks again.
This is why Canada is Canada. We don't need the adoration, the worldwide recognition, we just open our hearts and homes when people need people the most. So when someone says that Canadians are humble....now you know why. I'm very proud to be a Canadian. My husband is a Newfoundlander. His family was there. Canada will always come together to aid anyone in trouble. That is who we are as a nation.
I am a chef and at the time I was cooking in Halifax. We went 24/7 cooking for people stranded in shelters until they could fly again. Such a tragic time, but it showed how people can come together when it really matters.
Gander stepped up twice in this way. An American plane full of military personnel crashed into the ocean just off shore from Gander. It is a good uplifting story once you get past all that that died in the crash. Families descended on Gander and once again they took care of everyone.
You are a fine gentleman Mert.
My 75 year old Newfie father was flying back home with his nephew on Sept.11 in the morning to St. John's Newfoundland from Toronto, when their plane was put down in Moncton New Brunswick. By the 4th or 5th day after the event, I was ready to drive from Kitchener, Ontario down east to get them and bring them home, but they did get back a couple of days later. Wow, what a time. I heard many stories about what they did sleeping on cots in a auditorium, and knowing my Newfoundlander dad I wasn't surprised at the antics they got up to and am sure he brightened the days of many people around him. If he had had his accordion I'm sure he would have been playing some Irish tunes. I'm so proud to be half Newfie and to be his daughter.
I've lived at the other end of Canada for my entire life - I'm 57 - and I have some friends from Newfoundland here on Vancouver Island. I have never met a Newfoundlander that i didn't like. They are the friendliest, and by far the the funniest, people that exist.
Mert, I'm having heart palpitations just watching this. It launches me back to that day when I watched this unfold live on the news. My aunt and uncle were living in Stephenville Newfoundland which was another landing site for the planes. My aunt was fluent in English, French and Spanish and they rushed to help out. My aunt translated for so many people who needed medication, special diets and other special needs. They also let 2 families stay in their home while they were volunteering. Our family is so proud of what they were able to do.
I lived in Central NY for 34 years. I've always loved and respected Canada. I worked in local auto racing for about 10 years. Canadian drivers race in NY on our tracks and we always honor them with their country's anthem, and when our drivers go there, the extend the same courtesy. It's just what we do. It's our mutual love of nature and the wilderness coupled with the fact we used to easily be able to traverse back and forth and experience each other's cultures and enjoy our time in their beautiful country. When 9/11 happened, it got a little harder for us to travel back and forth if it wasn't for work. It's still harder today than ever to cross the borders without extensive searches of your belongings etc. so it doesn't have that same warm welcoming feel anymore, but that's just the experience at the border. Once you're in Canada, it's the same old warm welcome it always was. My parents befriended a couple from London, Ontario on their honeymoon and stayed friends for many years. We visited and kept in touch for a long time. I've never spent more than one night in Canada but that country feels like a second home to me in a lot of ways.
I am from Newfoundland. I know a few Scottish people. They all love it here. And from your video’s, I guaranty, a friendly person like yourself, would be welcomed with open arms! Thanks for doing this. We appreciate. If you visit, you and your family can stay at our cabin! Cheers buddy!