GANDER NEWFOUNDLAND 9/11 2021 | With The Real Come From Away Characters

Join us in Gander, Newfoundland, as we mark the solemn occasion of the 20th Year Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 events. Gander played a pivotal role by welcoming and supporting thousands of stranded passengers who were rerouted to Gander International Airport in the wake of the tragedy.
The extraordinary acts of kindness displayed by Gander residents and neighboring communities became the heartwarming narrative of the renowned Broadway show, "Come From Away." In this video, we have the privilege of engaging with real-life figures from "Come From Away," including Mayor Claude Elliott.
Watch our in-depth interview with Mayor Claude Elliott of Gander, Newfoundland here: • BEHIND THE SCENES: 'CO...
0:00 - Introduction
1:10 - Discovering Gander, Newfoundland's Significance
2:17 - Inside the Media Room at Steele Community Center
2:55 - Commemorative Items from "Come From Away" Cast
3:23 - Steele Community Centre's Role During 9/11
4:09 - Royal Canadian Legion Gander Branch 8
4:42 - Unveiling the "Twenty Years After: 9/11" Book
5:08 - Commander Gander's Tribute
5:28 - Insights from Mayor Claude Elliott (Real-Life "Come From Away" Character)
8:59 - A Visit to Gander International Airport's Arrival Hall
10:03 - Unearthing Untold Stories at Gander Airport
12:45 - Dedication of the 9/11 Monument at Gander Town Hall
14:39 - Honoring the 20th Anniversary with a Commemoration Service
Join us as we remember, reflect, and pay homage to the indomitable spirit of Gander and its enduring connection to this significant chapter in history.
#9/11Anniversary #GanderNewfoundland #ComeFromAway #Remembering911
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#gander #newfoundland #comefromaway
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ABOUT US
Michael and Halef live in Atlanta, GA, but are originally from Canada and Indonesia, respectively. They love to travel and try to do it as much as possible. They saved for a few years and are currently on a long-term round the world trip!

[@countryboy63077]

My mother was born and raised in Badger, Newfoundland, and even though she had lived here in the states for 57 she remained a true “Newfie” until COVID got both her and my dad. She loved being from the Rock so much that she would never give up her Canadian citizenship. She would boost about how she had been born a British subject, and then becoming Canadian in 1949 when Newfoundland became Canada’s tenth province. When she saw “Come From Away” in St. Louis she was very emotional with pride of her homeland. She would be proud until her last day on this earth. When others saw and told her about seeing the play she again filled with pride of her homeland saying now you know what a “Newfie” is all about! Thanks for this wonderful video as it gave me a better reflection as to who she was, and of hers and my own heritage!

[@theRTWguys]

I'm deeply moved to hear about the profound connection your mother had with her Newfoundland heritage. It's clear that her love and pride for the province and its unique identity meant a great deal to her. The sense of belonging and attachment to one's homeland can have a lasting impact on a person's identity and values. "Come From Away" has touched the hearts of many, and your mother's emotional response to the play is a testament to the strong bond she felt with Newfoundland and its people. It's heartwarming to know that the video could bring back memories and reflections on her heritage. Remembering and honoring our heritage is a beautiful way to keep the spirit of our loved ones alive. Your mother's story is a touching reminder of the deep connections we can form with our roots, even when we are far from home. Thank you for sharing this meaningful story.

[@anhw3303]

I’ve been to Gander twice, second time recently to see a local production of Come From Away. Newfoundlanders are so friendly, genuine, hospitable, and down to earth! I simply love it there!

[@theRTWguys]

Absolutely agree with you! Gander, Newfoundland, truly embodies the warmth and hospitality that Newfoundlanders are known for. It's wonderful that you had the chance to experience the local production of Come From Away, showcasing the remarkable spirit of the community. We share your love for this incredible place! 😊🌸🏞️

[@richardlaroche710]

What a great little town...we as Canadiens are proud as he'll of the people who made things happen in gander...

[@theRTWguys]

Absolutely 🇨🇦

[@melissarobinson9618]

👍 I know it's not a fun tourist attraction, but being in Gander for 9-11 will probably something you will never forget, and now your viewers won't forget either! 🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@theRTWguys]

It was a very special visit for us ❤️

[@kevintuerff5125]

Thank you guys for this video! I was a come from away in Gander on 9/11 and I truly intended to return for this 20th anniversary. I'm glad you could share with the world what wonderful people they are. Did you happen to see the College of the North Atlantic? That's where my ex-partner Kevin and I slept on the floor.

[@stellacantrell3532]

Wait so your the one that the character in Come From Away is based on?? 😦

[@theRTWguys]

You're welcome! It's touching to hear that you have a personal connection to Gander during such a significant time. It's clear that the kindness and support of the people in Gander left a lasting impression on you. The College of the North Atlantic would likely have been a significant part of the community's efforts to provide accommodations during that time. Thank you for sharing your story, and I hope that you'll have the opportunity to revisit and create new memories in the future.

[@kevintuerff5125]

@@theRTWguys Indeed, I just returned from Gander last month to see Come From Away performed in the town where it happened. I also took my friends on a tour of the College so they could see where “The Kevins” experienced Gander compassion. 🏳️‍🌈 🪓

[@TheFlemingFamily22]

As someone who lives and is from Newfoundland, I'm such a proud Newfoundlander. This just shows that we can always come together and help one another, even strangers. No wonder we are always loved the most.

[@theRTWguys]

Absolutely ❤️🇨🇦

[@rabidsamfan]

Someday I hope to visit Gander, so it was nice to get a glimpse through your eyes.

[@theRTWguys]

For sure! Thank you for watching 😀

[@Upndouin]

Come From Away is my favourite musical. I was born in Brazil, but live in London. Just applied for my visa to Canada, so hopefully I will visit Gander in February 2024 ❤

[@theRTWguys]

That's wonderful to hear! Come From Away is a truly touching musical that resonates with people from all around the world. It's exciting that you've applied for a visa to Canada and are planning to visit Gander in February 2024. Your journey from Brazil to London and then to Newfoundland will surely be an unforgettable adventure. Wishing you the best of luck with your visa application and an incredible experience in Gander next year! 🌍✈️🎶

[@sopranomegansaunders]

Great video guys. Really enjoyed it. I’m from Grand Falls originally and I met and married my husband in while he was posted in Gander with the Air Force. I also had a cousin who was a recipient of the 9/11 scholarship the passengers on the planes created. 💙💛 Have a read of the book “The Day the World Came to Town”. It’s an excellent read about it written by a passenger.

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you so much for your kind words and sharing your personal connection to Gander and the 9/11 events. It's incredible how stories like yours intertwine with the compassion and unity shown by the people of Gander during that time. We truly appreciate your recommendation of "The Day the World Came to Town" - it sounds like a touching and insightful read. Your cousin's connection to the 9/11 scholarship adds another layer of significance to this powerful story. Wishing you all the best and continued connections to these impactful events. 💙💛

[@beachbum200009]

Thank you Gander and surrounding area. You were there when the world needed a friend.

[@theRTWguys]

❤️🇨🇦

[@carolmurphy7572]

Well done, gentlemen! Thank you for sharing the story of Gander's role in welcoming the passengers of many foreign aircraft diverted there when U.S. (and eventually all) airspace was closed following the attacks on U.S. targets on September 11, 2001. Their stories of being reassured of their safety, in addition to being fed, clothed, housed, permitted access to phones to contact their worried loved ones, as well as televisions and computers to be kept updated on the events that brought them here, and the incredible generosity of the people of our province are heartwarming, indeed! The reverence for the deceased and the heroic first responders was obvious in the memorial service presentations. Thank you for treating it with the dignity it deserves.

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you Carol ❤️

[@davidmudry5622]

They need to write a 9/11 Play about this too, I've seen this 100 times --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnuzpoqvbtqnqdU Show your friends too. Imagine, real university professors and you never head about this 2.5 year old story until I told you.

[@lolahernandez6871]

I fell in love with the documentary about Gander and 9/11. ❤❤❤

[@theRTWguys]

It was a very sweet story ❤️🇨🇦

[@maryrafuse3851]

Fascinating, please allow me to share some background. Newfoundlanders are in so many ways the story tellers of the Canadian nation. All Atlantic Canadians have a tradition of Sea Stories and Ghost Stories with lots of forerunners to create a spooky shimmering sensation down one's spine. The people of Nova Scotia, and especially Cape Breton Island, have a family and, dare I say, spiritual connection to the people of Newfoundland. In Cape Breton both North Sydney & Louisburg people are frequently related to folks in Newfoundland. North Sydney is most often referred to as little Newfoundland. In the arts Newfoundlanders are exceptionally influential, all from a province of around 500.000 people.

[@theRTWguys]

That's a fascinating insight about Newfoundland and Cape Breton. Thank you for sharing, Mary! 😃🇨🇦

[@edcarter2952]

Thank you for this video. My father was born in Topsail now part of Conception Bay South. 3 of his older brothers all worked at Gander Airport when it was originally built. I live about 60 miles outside of NYC in CT. I had the chance to see Come from Away on Broadway prior to covid. I am planning a RV trip for Newfoundland that I hope I can take in the next couple of years. I have a lot of relatives on the island that I look forward to seeing again.

[@theRTWguys]

We really love traveling in Newfoundland and this is just our beginning videos of our NL series (so stay tuned and subscribe to our channel for more Newfoundland contents, as we are traveling all around NL in our van) Unfortunately we haven't seen the show yet but we will fix that soon!

[@edcarter2952]

@@theRTWguys I hope you are able to get to Gros Morne, Twillingate, Terra Nova and St John's. See the show so you can become a Newfie Islander.

[@jillmaresca9211]

Love this story , very much enjoyed the flight attendant Karen Voskanian opening up the story .

[@theRTWguys]

Absolutely - she has a wonderful story to tell ❤️

[@NancyBurden]

Fantastic coverage, guys ♥️

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you Nancy ❤️

[@thecreativityoflauren]

I just discovered this..... this beautiful video 😢. Hard to believe it has been 20 years, almost 21 years ago. Hard to believe that I was born in the same month, year and was supposed to have been born on the 11th. However, 9 days later, "here I am!" I love musicals, but this musical touches me, personally. I am so grateful to have seen this video. I am going and see Gander in person, this year for the 21st anniversary! Thank you for shining your perspective in this video and I can not wait to go in September. Thank you for this beautiful and informative video. ❤️ Lots of love from Canada. 🇨🇦

[@theRTWguys]

I'm glad to hear that you found the video about the musical and Gander's response to 9/11 touching and meaningful. It's a remarkable story of compassion and unity during a difficult time. Visiting Gander for the 21st anniversary sounds like a meaningful way to connect with the events and the community that played such an important role. Wishing you a truly memorable and heartfelt visit to Gander in September. Your appreciation and love for the story are beautifully evident, and I'm sure your experience will be deeply moving. Safe travels and lots of love back to you from Canada! 🇨🇦❤️

[@cameroncurrie7208]

It's not Disneyland but go and you will never forget your trip..

[@theRTWguys]

💯

[@tdottravels]

Wow! What an amazing and moving experience to take part in. Thanks for sharing this awesome part of Canada and showcasing the caring spirit of Newfoundland!

[@theRTWguys]

Absolutely - it was an honor for us, too 😀🇨🇦

[@allanhumphreys4072]

Had tears in my eyes the entire episode ! Very well done guys ! Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you Allan!

[@lisapellitier2450]

Beautiful as usual

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you Lisa ❤️

[@TailgateAdventuresCo]

Thanks for the nice video of Gander, NL and the events you attended. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Check out Gros Morne while your here

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you 😀 So sorry for the delay in response, and we did have a Gros Morne video in our channel as well ❤️

[@DiscoveringNewfoundland]

The people of Newfoundland are amazing!

[@theRTWguys]

Yes for sure 😀

[@Majerly_Annoyed]

The new memorial that was unveiled is now the 3rd piece of the World Trade Center to be gifted to Gander. There is also a piece of a girder in the arrivals area of the airport and a partial steel beam at the North Atlantic Aviation Museum. The museum has a wonderful tribute.

[@theRTWguys]

That's truly touching to hear about the various pieces of the World Trade Center that have been gifted to Gander in memory of the events of 9/11. Each of these pieces carries a significant emotional weight and serves as a poignant reminder of the solidarity and compassion that was shown during those difficult times. It's heartwarming to know that Gander has kept these pieces as a tribute to the lives affected by the tragedy. The museum's tribute must indeed be a meaningful place to visit and reflect upon these events. Thank you for sharing this important information!

[@rinisco]

Wow, this is a very touching story. I did not know this about gender. It was really exciting to watch this episode, and see all of Gender's lovely people.

[@theRTWguys]

Yes, absolutely - the genuine kindness of Newfoundlanders ♥️

[@andrewrolfe4334]

Well done you guys!

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you Andrew 😊

[@PrincessZoey]

commander gander seems like a cool dude!

[@theRTWguys]

😂 he's a celebrity around Gander!

[@VoxRox1]

I put a comment here yesterday about my experience at Gander airport and 9/11, but I can’t see it.

[@theRTWguys]

Hmmm I don't see it either -

[@jamesswarm]

A great story that I didn’t know happened.

[@theRTWguys]

It's a very different 9/11 story that is not focused on the events in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, but as important as the rest.

[@17steph25]

Where did you grow up too? I live 45 minutes from gander! 😊

[@theRTWguys]

Clarenville 😁

[@monicadubois4334]

it's like night and day from from MARTHA'S VINEYARD MAYBE ITS THE PEOPLE.

[@theRTWguys]

What's wrong with Martha's Vineyard?

[@savantianprince]

Gander reminds me of new Orleans

[@theRTWguys]

Oh? How so?

[@savantianprince]

@@theRTWguys the way them people are. When I was in New Orleans, the people were as friendly and inviting as the people in gander were in this story.

[@dillonohlemiller401]

Come From Away is a MUSICAL. Not a play

[@theRTWguys]

Thank you for clarifying

[@davidmudry5622]

Then they need to write a 9/11 'Play' about this too, a musical wouldn't work for this. I've seen this 100 times --> kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnuzpoqvbtqnqdU Show your friends too. Imagine, real university professors and you never head about this 2.5 year old story from the media until I told you.

[@markedwards3647]

Mostly OK- I often wonder why the people who are selected to sing the US national anthem and Amazing Grace have no talent. No feeling, unable to hit the notes, excessive vibrato. Why? There are at least thousands of very good singers. Why are terrible singers chosen?

[@theRTWguys]

It's not uncommon for public events and ceremonies to have a variety of performers, some of whom may have varying degrees of talent and experience. The selection of performers for events like singing the national anthem or songs like "Amazing Grace" can be influenced by various factors, including availability, personal connections, local involvement, and sometimes even a desire to showcase community members. While it might seem puzzling that less experienced or less skilled performers are chosen for such important moments, it's important to remember that these events often aim to foster a sense of community participation and inclusion. They provide opportunities for people of all skill levels to take part in the event and contribute to its overall atmosphere. However, I understand that it can be disappointing when performances don't meet your expectations in terms of vocal quality. If you have suggestions for performers or believe that talented singers would enhance the experience, it could be valuable to share your feedback with event organizers. This could help them consider a broader range of performers for future events.