Gander’s 9/11 Compassion Honored in New Heritage Minute Tribute
The town of Gander, Newfoundland, is preparing to commemorate its exceptional compassion during the 9/11 tragedy with a dedicated Heritage Minute tribute. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, providing a poignant backdrop for this tribute. The project aims to highlight the welcoming spirit displayed by Gander’s residents as they assisted thousands of stranded travelers.
Celebrating Gander’s 9/11 Kindness
A 60-second video tribute will focus on the extraordinary kindness exhibited by the community during a national crisis. The initiative comes as a heartfelt acknowledgment of Gander’s role on that fateful day.
Filmmakers Behind the Tribute
The tribute is spearheaded by brothers Peter and Rob Blackie from Elemental Pictures. These accomplished filmmakers feel a deep sense of responsibility in chronicling this touching narrative. Peter Blackie has expressed the challenge of encapsulating the profound kindness that emerged from Gander amidst such a harrowing situation.
Project Details
- 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 just before the anniversary of the attacks. The inspiration for this tribute came from a resident in Ontario, who sought to honor Gander’s supportive role during the crisis. After a shift in producers, the Blackie brothers were selected for this critical task, with Historica Canada valuing the involvement of a local team.
A Personal Connection to 9/11
Peter Blackie shares a personal connection to the events of 9/11, having been in New York City during the attacks. Witnessing the chaos firsthand, he felt a mix of concern and pride as he learned about his hometown’s efforts to aid stranded passengers after a Lufthansa flight landed nearby for emergency assistance. “It was surreal to be from a town that played such an unusual role in those tragic events,” he reflected.
As Gander prepares for this emotional tribute, the Heritage Minute serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s kindness in the face of adversity, resonating deeply with audiences as we remember the events of September 11, 2001.
