Gander’s 9/11 Compassion Celebrated in Heritage Minute Tribute
The town of Gander, Newfoundland, is set to honor its remarkable compassion during the 9/11 tragedy with a special Heritage Minute tribute. As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, Gander’s extraordinary welcoming spirit toward thousands of stranded travelers stands in sharp focus.
Commemorating Gander’s 9/11 Kindness
This year marks a quarter-century since the tragic events of 9/11, prompting the creation of a dedicated tribute. A 60-second video will highlight the kindness exhibited by Gander’s residents during this trying national crisis.
Filmmakers Behind the Tribute
The project is being led by brothers Peter and Rob Blackie from Elemental Pictures. They are well-regarded filmmakers who feel a significant responsibility to tell this moving story. Peter Blackie shared the challenges of expressing the profound kindness that emerged from the community on such a harrowing day.
- Filmmakers: Peter and Rob Blackie
- Production Company: Elemental Pictures
- Video Length: 60 seconds
- Background Actors Needed: 1,000 from Gander
Heritage Minute Airing Details
This Heritage Minute will air shortly before the anniversary of the attacks. The idea for this tribute originated from a resident in Ontario, seeking to acknowledge Gander’s supportive role during the crisis. After a change in producers, the Blackie brothers were chosen for this vital project, with Historica Canada emphasizing the importance of a local team.
The Blackies expressed gratitude for being selected to tell such an important narrative connected to Gander and the events of 9/11.
A Personal Connection to the Tragedy
Peter Blackie shares a personal link to the events of 9/11. At the time, he was in New York City, witnessing the chaos firsthand. Concerned for his hometown, he was heartened to learn about Gander’s efforts to assist those stranded after a Lufthansa flight made an emergency landing nearby.
“It was surreal to be from a town that played such an unusual role in those tragic events,” Peter reflected. As the Gander community anticipates this moving tribute, the Heritage Minute stands as a profound acknowledgment of human kindness in the face of adversity.
