Canadians are joining Americans in remembering the victims of the September 11 attacks, 25 years after hijacked aircraft struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the attacks.
When the United States closed its airspace, more than 230 aircraft were directed to Canadian airports. Communities across Atlantic Canada received thousands of stranded passengers.
Thirty-eight planes carrying about 6,500 people landed in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. The town’s population nearly doubled as residents opened schools, community centres and homes to travellers.
Anniversary ceremonies are being held in Gander and across Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney called for solidarity with the United States despite the recent deterioration in trade and political relations between the countries.
The anniversary recognizes both the lives lost and the work of emergency personnel, aviation workers and volunteers.
