The former mayor of Gander is reflecting on an act of terrorism that shocked the world, but also put his town on the map for its compassion and kindness.

On September 11th, 2001 terrorists targeted a number of iconic landmarks in the United States, using commercial aircraft as their weapons.

Two separate aircraft, commanded by terrorists, slammed into each of the Twin Towers in New York City, resulting in their collapse and the deaths of thousands of people.

Another airliner was flown into the U.S. Pentagon, causing significant damage and more deaths and a fourth crashed into a field in Pennsylvania when passengers took action against the hijackers.

U.S. airspace was immediately closed and trans-Atlantic flights with nowhere to go, suddenly started landing at airports throughout Atlantic Canada.

The bulk landed at Gander, immediately doubling the town’s population.

Claude Elliott, who was mayor at the time, is now known as a key character in the award-winning musical Come From Away that highlights the efforts of local residents to make the so-called ‘plane people’ comfortable, fed, and entertained.

He says the world saw the best and the worst of humanity at that uncertain time.

Elliott, who is in New York for today’s remembrance ceremony, remembers in particular the sense of helplessness many felt at the time.

“It was very rewarding, but it was also sad,” says Elliott. “There was nothing we could do for the people in the United States who were going through this tremendous act of violence, but we could help the people that were here.”

St. John’s, Stephenville, Deer Lake and Goose Bay also accepted diverted aircraft grounded when U.S. airspace was closed following the attacks.