Over the summer I read the book, The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede. It was made into the Broadway Musical, Come From Away! and focuses on the hospitality of Gander, Newfoundland when 37 transatlantic jetliners were forced to land there due to the closing of US airspace on September 11.

I expected it to be a sweet story of downhome hospitality and there was plenty of that, but I was caught off-guard by being forced to relive the horror of that day: the confusion when the first plane hit; the realization with the second, the Pentagon, Pennsylvania, newsreels, the president’s speech… I learned what the pilots were thinking as news unfolded and what air traffic controllers in Canada had to do to land all those planes safely. Gander’s roll was just a slice of the big picture. Canada labeled it “Operation Yellow Ribbon.” They agreed to handle the diversion of civilian flights and ensure that potentially destructive air traffic be removed from US airspace as quickly as possible. Canadian authorities didn’t know if there were more terrorists aboard the approximately 230 planes that landed in 17 airports, but they took the risk to help their neighbor.

DeFede reveals some personal stories of the 6,595 passengers and crew and 10,300 townspeople of Gander. He told of the airport being fitted with adequate security; local churches, organizations, and schools transforming their buildings into shelters overnight. Striking local bus drivers coming off the picket line to transport passengers. Townspeople preparing feasts and donating toiletries and linens; even inviting passengers into their homes for showers. Local businesses gave away merchandise to passengers that needed things.

What I found especially fascinating was that every single need seemed to have been met. Pharmacists recognized that people would need prescription meds so they worked around the clock contacting pharmacies and doctors around the globe so they could dispense properly. Even the animals in the plane baggage holds were not overlooked. A local veterinarian insisted that the records be checked and then cared for an array of domestic and exotic animals for the duration of their stay. It is heartening to hear stories like this. A handful of terrorists did irreparable damage to our nation that day, but exponentially more good people were determined to protect, befriend, and comfort their neighbors in need.

Scripture: Read Philippians 2:4. What stands out?

Call to Action: Let us stay aware of the concerns of those around us and be prepared to sacrifice when needs arise.