September 11, 2016 marks the 15th anniversary the September 11 attacks, and while there will be a multitude of news articles and special reports on the courage and challenges of that day, this post is about an often overlooked act of a good neighbor which also took place on that day.
On the day of the attacks the FAA closed down US airspace and Canada implemented Operation Yellow Ribbon to handle the influx of aircraft which were beyond the point of no return and needed to land as well as quarantine aircraft to prevent further attacks on the US.
Not only did Canada provide a means to remove potentially dangerous aircraft from US airspace; Canada and Canadian citizens provided a safe haven for stranded air passengers. There are many stories of how the airports in Gander and Halifax Newfoundland were inundated with stranded air passengers, and how the people of those towns took them in. This act of kindness took place all across Canada.
Here are three articles which provide more insight in to the events and actions that took place on that day and the days that followed:
- Transport Canada: Four Days in September
- Mental_floss: September 11th and the Hospitable People of Gander, Newfoundland
- InspireMore: 14 Years Ago A Plane Was Diverted To Canada On 9/11. The Story Of What Happened Still Amazes Us Today.
For the record other countries also took in aircraft that were diverted from US airspace, though it was Canada which took in the bulk of aircraft and Canadian citizens who took them in.
Operation Yellow Ribbon is a classic example of international cooperation, and individuals helping strangers in need.
Thank you Canada, as well those other countries who took in all those air travelers on that terrible day in September ~ Jim
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Yellow_Ribbon