September 11: Twenty-Five Years Later

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

— Fred (Mr.) Rogers

Where were you when the planes hit? When the towers fell? Where were you when, 25 years ago, the world changed forever? Do you remember what you thought? What you said? What you felt?

Most people, we think it’s fair to say, felt grief, anger, and fear. Fear most of all. Fear that it would happen again. Fear that it was no longer safe to fly or be in a well-known public place. Fear that a terrorist attack could occur anywhere, anytime, without warning. But as the weeks turned into months, and the months into years, we have found that the fear has largely faded and been replaced by something else. Hope. Resolve. Even inspiration. Partly this is due to the passing of time, but we think there’s another reason, too.

You see, in the years that followed, more and more stories started emerging from the aftermath of September 11. Stories demonstrating all that is good and great about humanity. Stories proving that fear will never be as strong as courage or as enduring as kindness. Stories of people helping.

In honor of those people, we thought it would be good to share a story with you today.

On September 11, 2001, as the United States faced unprecedented terrorist attacks, Canada initiated Operation Yellow Ribbon to manage the diversion of civilian flights from U.S. airspace. This operation aimed to quickly remove potentially threatening air traffic from U.S. skies and safely ground these aircraft in Canada. Between 225 and 240 flights were diverted to 17 Canadian airports, with Gander International Airport in Newfoundland playing a pivotal role.

Gander, once a critical refueling stop during World War II due to its strategic location as the most easterly point in North America, had seen reduced activity in subsequent years. However, its expansive runways and facilities remained capable of accommodating large aircraft. On 9/11, Gander handled 38 wide-body planes, bringing in over 6,500 passengers and crew—nearly doubling the town’s population of around 10,000.

The residents of Gander and neighboring communities exemplified remarkable hospitality. They provided shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support to the stranded passengers, who were affectionately termed “come from aways.” Schools, community centers, and homes were opened to accommodate the influx, showcasing a profound sense of compassion and unity.

The story of Gander’s generosity has been immortalized in various forms of media. The Broadway musical “Come from Away” dramatizes these events, highlighting the town’s warmth and the enduring bonds formed during those days. Additionally, the documentary “You Are Here” delves into the personal stories of both the townspeople and the passengers, offering a deeper understanding of this extraordinary episode.

Operation Yellow Ribbon stands as a testament to international cooperation and the strength of human kindness in times of crisis. The swift actions of Canadian authorities and the heartfelt response from communities like Gander provided solace during a period of profound uncertainty, leaving an indelible mark on all who were touched by this act of goodwill.

Twenty-five years later, while the horrifying images we saw that day may still be emblazoned in our minds, it’s the stories of the helpers that live on.

It took years of planning for the terrorists to express their hate. But it took regular, ordinary people only seconds to decide to help. That is the true legacy of September 11. A day that shows us all how courage, kindness, and love can never be defeated.

The news is always filled with scary stories and images. There will be hard days in the future, affecting families, communities, cities, even entire countries. But when things seem scariest, let us never forget September 11…and always remember to look for the helpers.

You will always find people who are helping.

Sincerely,

The Omell Financial Group

Bill Good Marketing Letters Library 2026. 9.11 Legacy Foundation. CNN (n.d.). Gander International Airport: The little airport that welcomed the world on 9/11. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/gander-international-airport canada/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com (Accessed: 24 January 2025).Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (2024). Aviation history: Operation Yellow Ribbon. Available at: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/september/pilot/aviation-history-operation-yellow-ribbon (Accessed: 24 January 2025).Simple Flying (n.d.). Operation Yellow Ribbon: How Canada helped stranded aircraft during 9/11. Available at: https://simpleflying.com/operation-yellow-ribbon/ (Accessed: 24 January 2025).NBC News (n.d.). Gander: The Canadian town that welcomed 9/11 flights. Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna35841619 (Accessed: 24 January 2025).