Gander’s 9/11 Kindness Honored in Heritage Minute Tribute Celebration
The town of Gander, Newfoundland, is preparing to commemorate its extraordinary kindness during the 9/11 tragedy through a Heritage Minute tribute. As the world remembers the events of September 11, 2001, Gander stands out for its welcoming spirit toward thousands of stranded travelers.
Gander’s 9/11 Kindness Honored
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks, prompting the creation of a special segment to honor Gander’s residents. A team led by brothers Peter and Rob Blackie from Elemental Pictures will produce a poignant 60-second video. This tribute aims to capture the essence of Gander’s compassion during a national crisis.
Insights from the Filmmakers
The Blackie brothers are seasoned filmmakers but feel a deep obligation to tell this impactful story. Peter Blackie noted the challenge of conveying the profound kindness exhibited by the community on that day. The filming is set to begin next month, with a callout for 1,000 background actors from Gander to participate.
- Filmmakers: Peter and Rob Blackie
- Production: Elemental Pictures
- Video Length: 60 seconds
- Actors Needed: 1,000 from Gander
Creative Background
The Heritage Minute will air shortly before the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The original idea for this tribute stemmed from a resident in Ontario, seeking recognition for Gander’s role during the crisis. After a change in producers, the Blackie brothers were selected for this important project.
Historica Canada, the organization behind the Heritage Minutes, emphasized the need for a Newfoundland-based team, making the Blackies a fitting choice. They expressed their gratitude for being entrusted with such a significant narrative.
A Personal Connection to 9/11
Peter Blackie recalls witnessing 9/11’s chaos firsthand while in New York City. While he was concerned for his hometown, news emerged about Gander’s response to assist those affected. A Lufthansa flight made an emergency landing, with residents offering support to passengers in need.
“It was surreal to be from a town that played such an unusual role in those tragic events,” Peter shared, reflecting on the experience.
As the Gander community gears up for this heartfelt tribute, the Heritage Minute symbolizes not only a film project but a touching recognition of humanity amid a crisis.
