People in the eastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador are known as great neighbours with a willingness to help, and that became apparent to the world after the terrorist attacks on the U.S. of September 11, 2001.
As airports closed across the United States, several planes were diverted to the small town of Gander stranding about 7,000 passengers there for three days. The people of Gander welcomed them into their homes with open arms. They cooked for them, filled prescriptions without charge and did what they could to make the travellers comfortable. In some cases, lasting friendships were created and people continue to visit each other.
Firefighters escort the steel beam
Now, a piece of steel beam from the south tower of the World Trade Center that collapsed in New York City is on its way to Gander to honour that hospitality. It is being transported by road accompanied by a motorcycle escort of current and former New York firefighters. All should arrive on Sunday, the 15th anniversary of the attacks.
The steel was a gift of the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation which was named for a firefighter killed as he helped with the rescue efforts.
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