With the Twentieth Anniversary of September 11 just around the corner, I would kick myself if I lost the chance to tell a wonderful story. I’m shocked at how few know about acts of human kindness that shine brightly next to the stark horror of that day. The Story of Gander Newfoundland is a jewel among the heartbreak and rubble. Just a quiet little story that will make you smile.
For passengers on 38 wide-body aircraft flying West over the Atlantic, 9-11-2001 was an ordinary day to travel. Movies were watched and meals consumed. Flight attendants were carrying out mundane tasks, along with caring for the needs of the passengers on these 38 jets. Pilots were checking logs and readings, with everything in good order as they made their way West towards the US. Everything was smooth, quiet, and routine.
38 Jumbo jets. About 6,600 passengers and crew. All going or coming by airplane. Unaware.
On the ground, in Ganger, Newfoundland, the population hovered at less than 10,000 residents. All going about their daily business, they didn’t know what would be asked of their tiny little town.
In an instant, all the serenity vanished as the United States of America was attacked in New York City, Washington, DC, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Radio alerts to all 38 jets, instructions for landing as soon as possible came through loud and clear. These jets were rerouted to Gander, Newfoundland. They would be grounded for an unknown period of time because something tragic happened. Not much information was shared. Just a urgent need to clear all airspace as soon as possible.
For six September days following the horrendous attacks, passengers, pilots, crew, and residents would become a family. Every one of those 38 Jumbo jets landed at Gander International Airport with all United States airspace closed. When the news came that visitors were “Come From Away”, home kitchens came to life. Closets opened and pillows were fluffed. The townspeople came to the rescue to make Gander a home away from home for weary travelers. 6600 of them. Across town, casseroles by the thousands were cooked. Bedding and sleeping bags were needed. Regular townspeople became chefs and waitresses. Everyone came to life to welcome the strangers who had “Come From Away”. The town made it work for those that had no choice but to disembark and wait while airspace remained closed.
Donations poured in. Breakfast would need to be prepared and ready. Everything travelers would need must to be provided, for suitcases would remain in the holds of the aircraft. Prescriptions, diapers, underwear, toiletries. All for 6,600. Traveling animals would need food also. Everything was carefully considered, while few slept in the tiny town.
When the jets landed, passengers needed to stay aboard over 24 hours. Then, one by one, the jets unloaded passengers into waiting school buses for transport. The terror that must have been felt by passengers and townsfolk alike. Passengers didn’t yet know what had happened as those onboard had been told nothing. Townspeople were still trying to absorb the shock of it all.
A prestigious pilot named Beverly Bass was one of those stranded. She happened to be the first woman pilot to become Captain in American Airlines. A love story bloomed between two lonely Senior Citizens. Heartbreak coated everything. Mother’s whose sons worked in the World Trade Center held hands and prayed. People of a different skin color or language were embraced as family. Drama of every type waited to unfold.
How did I find out about this?
Years later someone brilliant decided to write a musical about this amazing story. Called, “Come From Away”, it will be released for purchase on Apple TV on September 10th. Please look for it, you won’t be disappointed. I would expect that on Saturday, we’ll all be feeling the familiar heartbreak while watching coverage of the day. Watch something brilliant and wonderful the night before. The lyrics in this musical are beautiful and unforgettable. Turn up the volume, as every word is part of the story that transpired. If you want to listen to the soundtrack before, go to YouTube. There are uninterrupted versions of all the songs taking about one hour of time to listen.
My favorite story is about Beverly and her love of flying. Called “Me and the Sky”, the last words of her song make me cry every time. The one thing she loved the most caused horror and devastation and came between her and the sky. I loved being a passenger as much as Beverly loved flying. How our world has changed! What was lost, youngers can’t truly understand.
I do plan to visit the Dover Straight. Someday, I plan to go there with someone I love dearly. I want to eat a dinner in Gander and leave an hefty tip, leaving some smiles in the town. There is so much to be learned by this story. Please do some research. It will make your heart glad to be human. Remember, there is always something we can do to help, no matter how small. Have a wonderful day.