Canadian communities hold ceremonies to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11

Communities in Canada took a break on Saturday to pay tribute to the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, with officials in several cities paying tribute to those who died while honoring the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. overwhelming.

Politicians in Halifax noted that 40 planes carrying more than 8,000 people were diverted to the Nova Scotia capital after al-Qaida agents hijacked four planes, two of which crashed into the World Trade Center towers in the New York City and another dove into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. and the fourth crashing into a field in Pennsylvania.

“They say that the crisis reveals the true character of a person, and in those days, 20 years ago, the character of our people made us very proud. When the world needed us most, the people of Nova Scotia were there,” said the minister. Nova Scotia Justice Brad Johns. A small crowd gathered at Halifax Stanfield International Airport on Saturday.

“Although many came as strangers, lasting bonds were formed and our guests left as friends,” added Johns.

Halifax Mayor Mike Savage said that in the worst moments it is often the simplest acts of kindness that turn profound.

“This community’s response to 9/11 is a reminder that we are made of good things. That we are resilient and kind and capable of reaching across cultures, religions and ideologies to find the truths of who we are as people,” he said Savage.

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Thirty-four passenger jets and four military jets were also diverted to Gander, NL, increasing the small town’s population by 6,600 people. The city marks the date every year, and this year unveiled a new 9/11 memorial.

“This is not a celebration of Gander’s role in this tragedy,” Gander Mayor Percy Farwell said in a statement.

“It is an affirmation of the core values ​​that are so important in addressing global issues that affect those with whom we share the planet.”

Twenty-four Canadians died that day among the 2,977 who lost their lives.

In Calgary, Fire Chief Steve Dongworth told a memorial service held at the Military Museums that six firefighters who were members of the heavy rescue team traveled to New York about a month after the attacks to learn what they could and show their support. .

He said Canadian firefighters raised money to help the families of firefighters and paramedics who had died at the World Trade Center, and they worked to make sure no one forgot their sacrifice.

“If there was something positive that came out of this tragedy, it served to highlight in the minds of citizens the critical work done by all first responders in our communities and the resilience required to continue to do their job, day after day and year after year.” Dongworth said, speaking next to a twisted steel column from the World Trade Center that is part of the museum’s collection.

Other Canadian political leaders also issued statements or attended events marking the anniversary on Saturday.

Manitoba Prime Minister Kelvin Goertzen joined representatives from the United States and Canada for a ceremony at the 9/11 memorial site at International Peace Gardens, which straddles the border.

In Toronto, the United States Consulate held a small rooftop ceremony to mark the anniversary, and the United States Embassy in Ottawa would host an event at the Beechwood 9/11 Memorial.

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, in addition to thanking first responders and people who opened their homes and fed the thousands of stranded travelers, paid tribute to Canadian Armed Forces veterans and public servants who served in Afghanistan in the war that followed September 11. .

“Today, let us come together to remember and mourn those who were lost and honor those who helped others with courage and selflessness that day. And let us continue to support the United States, our neighbor and closest ally, and let us once again commit ourselves to always having the backs of others ”, concluded a statement from Trudeau.

This Canadian Press report was first published on September 11, 2021.