13 Years ago this day -

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

A note to remember the citizens of Gander, NL (pop. 10,000) which accepted over 6,500 passengers on 38 flights in a few hours.

Striking school bus drivers laid down their picket signs to drive the unexpected guests around. Pharmacists filled prescriptions for free. Shop owners declined payment. The arena at the Gander Community Centre became a giant walk-in fridge for food donations.

Passengers stranded on 9-11 plan return to Gander | CTV News

"As the passengers were leaving ... many people said that they had lost all faith in mankind," Elliott recalled. "But they said: 'After five days here in Gander, you've restored that faith in me.' And I think if there's one legacy that we'll be known for, it's that there are still good people left in the world."

[longer ron]

Yes indeed - we were very lucky not to have gone anywhere !
I really felt for those people who were diverted !

[billynospares]

Well I am sorry it's was a red and white RAF 125 and it was on a trial with us

[54Phan]

Thank you, Fox3 for mentioning the hospitality shown by Canadians to those who were stranded. It made me even prouder to be a Canadian.

[Fox3WheresMyBanana]

Even more passengers (8,000+) were diverted to Moncton and Halifax, with similar responses, but Gander generally gets the most of the credit (rightly I feel) due to the relative size of population / pax. I was in Newfoundland last month; they are all lovely!