Anyone on Social Security will remember the catchphrase “where were you when Kennedy was shot?” Gen Z and Gen Alpha (primarily born early 2010s to mid 2020s) recently experienced “where were you on 9/11?” Some events are so tragic they’re forever etched on our minds.
Terrorists didn’t discriminate against airlines. Four flights were hijacked that infamous day – American Airlines Flight 11, American Airlines Flight 77, United Airlines Flight 93 and United Airlines Flight 175. This prompted the FAA to issue a historic shut-down of the national airspace. Over 4,500 flights were grounded and all planes in US airspace were ordered to land at the nearest available airport. Millions of passengers safely landed in places like Gander, Vancouver, Newfoundland and British Columbia. The hijackings led to the security overhaul we now call the Transportation Security Administration, TSA.
I recently learned incidents occurring on 9/11 can also be worth remembering.
Interesting Fact: During the unprecedented airspace shut-down, one Learjet 36 was given special permission to fly. Two fighter jets escorted the plane, delivering anti-venom to a snake-bite victim, from San Diego to Miami.
In the chaos, more than 200 planes en route to North America needed somewhere to land. For 38 of those planes—carrying nearly 7,000 passengers from all corners of the world—that place was the quiet town of Gander, Newfoundland.
Gander, once known as the “crossroads of the world” for its strategic airport that served as a refueling stop for transatlantic flights, had long since faded from the spotlight with the arrival of modern jet technology. But on that day, its history became crucial. With a population of just 10,000, the town doubled in size overnight.
What could have been a nightmare turned into a story of profound humanity. Residents of Gander and nearby communities sprang into action. Schools, churches, and community centers were transformed into shelters. Families opened their homes, offering hot meals, showers, and phones so passengers could connect with loved ones. Pharmacies filled prescriptions for free. Volunteers bought diapers, pet food, and toiletries for strangers they had never met. In a moment of fear and uncertainty, kindness became the language everyone understood.
Passengers later spoke of the extraordinary warmth they encountered in Gander. Many recalled arriving frightened and disoriented, only to be greeted with comfort and reassurance. Over the course of five days, bonds were formed—between townspeople and travelers, between strangers from different nations and faiths, between people who otherwise never would have crossed paths.
This remarkable story of compassion eventually found its way to the stage in the Broadway musical “Come From Away”. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the show captures both the gravity of the events and the unexpected joy of human connection. It celebrates a small town that welcomed the world, reminding audiences everywhere that even in times of unimaginable tragedy, humanity can rise to meet the moment.
It is a story not only about what happened on 9/11, but about what is possible when people choose to care for one another. Gander became a light in overwhelming darkness.
Why You Should See Come From Away
If you’ve ever wondered what it means for ordinary people to do something extraordinary, “Come From Away” brings that story to life. It’s not just a musical—it’s a moving, uplifting reminder that kindness is contagious, that community knows no borders, and that hope can be found in the most unlikely places.
Whether you know the history or are hearing it for the first time, this show will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately inspired. It’s a story worth remembering—and an experience worth seeing.
You still have time to grab tickets at Centre Stage in Greenville. Click here for all the details. The talent within the Centre Stage cast is unmatched, ushering in emotions that linger long after the show ends!