Every SJW, and all "woke" social media fascists should get a free screening of this movie, to remind them that anger, hatred, cancel culture, and general anarchy will NEVER benefit ANYONE but those who are mean, bitter and full of hatred themselves. "(Careful when you point your finger because there's THREE pointing back at YOU", as Mom used to warn)

September 11th 2001, "some people" filled with hatred anger, and "righteous" indignation, decided that killing thousands of non combatants, would somehow be a good way to show the world the legitimacy of their so called cause.Before the seemingly never ending bloodshed that has followed, the FAA grounded ALL air traffic inside and coming to the United States, as soon as they realized that what "some people" had done was not an accident, but mass murder, and an act of war. This meant that EVERY private plane and commercial airliner had to immediately land, and those outside of US airspace, even if they had been in route to America, had to find somewhere ELSE to put down.

The airport at Gander, Newfoundland, became the destination for 38 commercial airliners, carrying just short of 9000 passengers, from every country, ethnicity, political affiliation, and sexual preference. Mind you, the ENTIRE town of Gander, and surrounding areas at the time had about 8000 in TOTAL population. Many did NOT know what had happened, and, because officials didn't know if "some ADDITIONAL people" were ensconced amongst those 9000 souls, very little information was shared until they could figure out exactly who was on board each flight.

And so they came, one after another, until 38 massive jets crowded, the Gander Airport tarmac. The passengers stayed seated for the rest of the day, and almost 24 hours, until the Mayor, and town officials decided to do something. They opened their hearts, and they opened their homes, churches, schools, and gymnasiums, and mobilized the resources they had to feed, clothe and comfort 9000 strangers, Newfoundland style.

For 5 days and nights, the local folks cooked 24/7. If someone had special dietary needs, vegan, Muslim, gluten free, Kosher, whatever, they put the word out and it was handled, no complaints. When people ran out of clothes or personal care items, (they could NOT unload the baggage compartments, so carry on items were all they had) they put out a call to the local Walmart, (yes they have one) and Walmart DONATED every bit of underwear, socks, and casual wear they had on the shelves. and refused to accept payment for any of it. In fact, the citizens of Gander refused to accept payment for.... ANYTHING. Need to call the states or overseas? Dial away, no charge, need to check your email? They installed dozens of computer terminals so people could contact loved ones. Yes, ,they were sleeping on army cots and in sleeping bags atop quilt pallets, but they were looked after, both in body, soul , and spirit. It's your Birthday?? Special cakes were made for the birthday boys, girls and adults. There were several "Make-A-Wish" kids on different flights, so, rather than single out any ONE child, they had a birthday party for ALL of them. One child's Dad commented that even though they missed out on the "wish" trip to Disney World, his daughter was very happy, because she had been looked after so well and had actually had fun.

After a couple of days, someone realized there were PETS still in the cargo holds. So the local animal shelter and vets appropriated a cargo hanger,and clambered over the still loaded luggage in each plane until they had removed all the pets so they could clean their cages, (except the two Bonobo monkeys who did their own housekeeping by flinging their poo hither and thither) let them stretch their legs, and give them any meds they needed.

When the flight ban was finally lifted after 5 days, many folks were sad to go, they had been treated with such loving kindness that many had never experienced before. Strangers became friends, and then family, some actually getting married when they got back to the states. ALL felt completely overwhelmed by the kindness they were shown, and several regretted having to return to the "real' world.

And yes, like Nancy Draper below, I was constantly having to wipe the tears falling copiously down my cheeks. Not from sadness over the horror that occurred that day, but from the selfless acts done spontaneously by the hearty and very UN-privileged Newfoundlanders, who forgot that there were people they were supposed to distrust and even hate, just because they looked, acted, or thought differently than they did. They didn't forget, it's just who they are, and for 5 terrible days in 2001, they set an example, that we ALL should look to imitate...... EVERY day!