Almost 25 years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the town of Gander, Newfoundland, is being honored in a new Heritage Minute by Historica Canada. The 60-second film series highlights the community’s humanitarian response when nearly 7,000 stranded travelers were welcomed with open arms. The event, which coincides with the approaching 9/11 anniversary, celebrates the town’s compassion and generosity, which later inspired the globally acclaimed stage musical 'Come From Away.' Locals and supporters gathered at Gander International Airport for a commemorative celebration, with plans for a visit by U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. The town, with a population of about 9,500, became a symbol of unity when it sheltered stranded passengers, providing food, shelter, and emotional support. Survivors like Sue Riccardelli and Maureen Murray, who were among the stranded travelers, continue to express gratitude, even as they criticize recent political tensions between Canada and the U.S. The article underscores the enduring impact of Gander’s actions, blending historical remembrance with contemporary reflections on international solidarity.

Retired officers from the New York Port Authority have written to Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, urging them to avoid attending the 25th-anniversary commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero for the September 11 attacks. The letter, addressed to both officials, expresses profound concerns over their public statements, political associations, and positions, which the officers claim are inconsistent with the sacrifice of victims and law enforcement personnel. The retired officers argue that the mayor's and governor's presence at the sacred site would cause deep pain to the 9/11 community, including victims' families, survivors, and first responders, and risk diverting attention from the ceremony's purpose of honoring those affected by the attacks. The letter also criticizes Hochul's decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month, calling it 'insensitive, tone-deaf, and an affront' to the significance of the site. A petition demanding the exclusion of Mayor Adams from the ceremony has garnered over 95,000 signatures, led by Giovanni Galante, whose wife was killed in the 9/11 attacks. The National September 11 Memorial & Museum has stated that the annual commemoration remains free of political activity, with attendees asked to remain in designated areas without delivering remarks. Hochul's office has defended her decision, emphasizing respect for 9/11 families and the role of Muslim New Yorkers in the aftermath of the attacks.