The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

The vice president of the local airport authority, Geoff Tucker, described Gander International Airport as “[t]he lifeboat of the North Atlantic” (30) because any pilot flying to the US from Europe makes a point of knowing where it is. Any pilot who experiences mechanical issues, a medical emergency, or an unruly passenger can make an emergency landing in Gander. On September 11, Gander airport became a lifeboat for planes that officials needed to reroute in a short span of time, and Gander itself became a “lifeboat” for the many stranded passengers.

The formal uniform worn by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), or “Mountie,” at ceremonial occasions is the Red Serge. DeFede describes this uniform, recognized the world over as the iconic image of the Canadian “Mountie”: tall brown leather boots and matching belt, a leather strap across the chest, spurs, navy riding pants with a vertical yellow stripe along the outer thigh, a Stetson hat, and a red coat with gold buttons and a navy collar and epaulets. When the time came to process departing passengers, Corporal Grant Smith noticed they seemed disappointed that he was not wearing this uniform, so he requested permission to wear it. After his request was approved, he took photos with hundreds of passengers as they left Canada, giving them a physical memory of their time in Canada.

Founded in 1913 by John D. Rockefeller, the Rockefeller Foundation is a philanthropic organization whose mission is “to promote the well-being of humanity throughout the world” by fostering “collaborative relationships with partners and grantees” (“About Us.” The Rockefeller Foundation). Two members of the Rockefeller Foundation were stranded in Gander after 9/11: vice president of administration and communications Denise Gray-Felder and President Gordon Conway. They were among the passengers sheltered at the Philadelphia Tabernacle Pentecostal Church and given the use of Lewisporte Middle School facilities. The generosity and concern of locals so impressed and moved Gray-Felder that she and Conway later arranged to award grants to both the school and church. This anecdote illustrates how generosity and kindness can become a reciprocal force, changing the lives of people who might otherwise never have had an opportunity to meet.

Canada’s national police, informally known as “Mounties,” are the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP has been in service since 1873, and people around the world recognize the image of a “Mountie” as a symbol of Canada The RCMP was involved in relief efforts at Gander from the onset. DeFede specifically mentions Corporal Grant Smith, who was moved by how calm and well-behaved the passengers were despite the stress they were under. The RCMP recorded no arrests during the passengers’ time in Gander. As a gesture of thanks, Corporal Smith dressed in his Red Serge uniform (see above) and took photos with departing passengers.

DeFede describes “Screeching-In” as the “most infamous of Newfoundland traditions” (170). In it, an initiate successfully completes a series of challenges to become “an honorary Newfie” (170). Conducted by “the chief Screecher” (171), who wears traditional Newfoundland fishing gear, the ceremony includes consuming “Newfie steak” (meaning bologna), kissing a freshly caught cod (in honor of the local fishing economy), responding to a series of questions with set responses, and drinking down a generous shot of “Screech,” a brand of Newfoundland rum. DeFede notes that “hundreds, if not thousands” (172), of stranded passengers in Newfoundland underwent some form of Screeching-In. The book describes Winnie’s initiation in Chapter 17.