The Day the World Came to Town

9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

By: Jim DeFede

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Perfect for fans of the musical Come From Away!

When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill. As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email, and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news.

👍👍 From one of the Plane People

Hi,
I was on Continental 23. I lived through this. Hearing what was going on in the other planes and with the other passengers was remarkable. I shed many a tear while listening to this book. I only wish I would have been able to contribute to the book. It was so nice living this experience again through this book. I plan to go back to Appleton this summer to visit and donate some more money.

Fantastic.

I loved this book I learned so much about the flights that landed in Newfoundland. It was a wonderful book to listen to. The reader was excellent.

Just the story I needed in these divisive times.

This was a powerful and touching book. I am not usually a fan of non-fiction, but could not stop listening.

A must reward, especially if you’ve seen “Come From Away”

A beautiful story well told by a talented narrator. I had a smile on my face and joy in my heart the entire time that I listened.

God bless the people of Newfoundland!

God bless all those Newfies!! These are some of the most precious people on the globe. For so many of them to open their homes and hearts to so many hurting and confused people is truly amazing.