GANDER — The town that opened its arms to thousands of stranded travellers in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks is bracing for a significant influx of visitors this month as it marks the 25th anniversary of those events.
Gander, population about 9,500, is again the focal point for commemoration. The town’s airport took in 38 passenger planes carrying more than 6,500 people when U.S. airspace was closed in the days after the attacks. Residents converted schools, church halls and private homes into temporary shelters to provide food, showers and sanctuary to the displaced travellers — the generosity that inspired the internationally acclaimed stage musical Come From Away.
Officials, visitors and hotel bookings
Organizers say the event has drawn national and international attention. Expected attendees include Governor General Louise Arbour, former prime minister Jean Chrétien, Premier Tony Wakeham, Fisheries Minister Joanne Thompson and U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra.
Local hotel operators report demand has surged ahead of the anniversary. Cory Abbott, marketing manager for Steele Hotels — which runs four properties in Gander — said bookings have filled up in recent weeks.
- Steele Hotels has seen a marked increase in reservations.
- Many rooms were snapped up in the last month as dignitaries and visitors confirmed plans.
- The event is expected to draw former residents, family members of 9/11 victims and international guests.
What the commemoration means to Gander
For Mayor Percy Farwell, the annual gathering is as much about remembering the nearly 3,000 people killed on Sept. 11, 2001, as it is about honouring the connection that formed between Gander and those who were stranded here.
“(We were) responding to people that were in distress and needed a lot of life's necessities like food and shelter. Mostly they needed love and compassion because it was a very distressing time,”
The mayor said the town’s commemorations have continued each year to acknowledge both the global tragedy and the local human response that has resonated worldwide.
Diplomacy and notes of controversy
The presence of the U.S. ambassador adds diplomatic weight to the ceremonies. Ambassador Hoekstra’s attendance comes despite recent controversies surrounding some of his public comments on trade and political rhetoric, which have attracted attention in Canadian media.
Organizers have not publicly detailed a full program for the anniversary week in the material released so far. The focus, they say, remains on remembrance and on the bonds forged in the days after the attacks.
Local preparations and practicalities
Officials and business owners in Gander are coordinating to manage the increased numbers of visitors. Accommodation is tight, and residents are gearing up to host and guide guests who travel to mark the milestone.
For those planning to attend, the town’s compact layout means most commemorative events and hospitality offerings will be within a short distance of the airport and main streets. Visitors should expect busy local roads and limited spur‑of‑the‑moment accommodation availability given the bookings already in place.
Remembering — and telling the story
The 9/11 anniversary in Gander is unique because it blends national mourning with a local story of care. That story has become part of the town’s identity and a touchstone for visitors who come not only to remember the victims of the attacks, but to pay tribute to the community that embodied compassion under sudden pressure.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Town population (approx.) | 9,500 |
| Planes diverted to Gander | 38 |
| Travellers hosted | 6,500+ |
| People killed on 9/11 | Nearly 3,000 |
As Gander prepares to mark this quarter‑century milestone, the ceremony will be both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of how a small Newfoundland town became an unexpected haven in a world suddenly changed. The story that unfolded here in 2001 continues to draw attention and visitors, and this year’s programme promises to once again place Gander at the heart of a global act of remembrance.
