It was like the Day the Earth Stood Still.
Over 3,000 people were killed in a series of plane crashes and the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York City 18 years ago today.
Many areas of the province took in thousands of people stranded after North American airspace was closed and all airplanes grounded following the terrorist attacks.
Scene at Gander airport 18 years ago today, September 11, 2001. A day that will remain apart of the airports & town’s history pic.twitter.com/PZbES1uNqT
— GAHS (@GahsYQX) September 11, 2019
Places such as Gander and neighbouring communities had to scramble just to find shelter, food, diapers and personal items for people. Mile One in St. John’s became a shelter and many churches opened their doors.
Derm Flynn, who was mayor of Appleton at the time, says everyone is welcome to attend a memorial service at the Peace Park in his town starting at 11:00 a.m.
In a tribute to 9-11 first responders, Pasadena NL native, RCMP Cpl Nicole Simpson, will be singing both national anthems to open the Toronto Blue Jays game against the Boston Red Sox tonight at 8:30 p.m. NL Time.
New Mile One Becomes Hostel for Thousands
But it wasn’t only Gander that saw so-called “plane people”. St. John’s, Stephenville, Deer Lake and Goose Bay all had planes land when airspace was closed, and passengers bused and taken to communities across the province.
The capital city saw 28 aircraft carrying 4,399 passengers and crew.
Some of those passengers were put up at the newly constructed Mile One Stadium, while others were taken to various other locations around town.
Some 100 city workers and 4,000 volunteers were involved in the effort.
Mayor Danny Breen says it was an extraordinary time.
