As services to mark 9/11 are held across North America today, I think it’s time to remember some of the lessons learned from that fateful day in 2001.
We gained renewed appreciation that day and the days that followed for the bravery and professionalism of our first responders. We saw resilience in the face of New Yorkers and people right across the Nation not to surrender to terrorists.
Canada also played a huge part in that day, under what we called Operation Yellow Ribbon.
You see, after the attacks, flights had to be grounded for fear or other hijackings or intentional crashes, but what was to be done about the planes heading for the United States from Europe or other overseas destinations?
Transport Canada activated its situation centre in Ottawa at 09:21 am, just 18 minutes after the second plane hit the World Trade Centre. Operation Yellow Ribbon would see over more than 33,000 passengers headed for the U.S. on more than 220 flights touch down here in Canada.
Gander International Airport alone took in 38 wide-body aircraft carrying around 6,600 people. The legendary kindness of the community of fewer than 10,000 would inspire the incredible musical Come From Away.
When the U.S. needed us, we were there from coast to coast welcoming strangers as friends in their time of need.
Even as our relationship with our southern neighbor remains very strained, it is my hope that we can someday rediscover the strength of our friendship which was on display that day. It is too important a lesson to be forgotten forever.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
