The term functions as a proper noun phrase, where "September 11th" acts as an adjectival modifier specifying a particular historical context for the proper noun "Gander." The phrase refers to the events that transpired in Gander, a town in Newfoundland, Canada, immediately following the closure of United States airspace due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. On that day, Gander International Airport, a former major refueling stop for transatlantic flights, became a designated emergency landing site.
As part of a Canadian emergency response known as Operation Yellow Ribbon, 38 civilian airliners carrying approximately 6,700 passengers and crew were ordered to land at Gander's airport. The town, with a population of under 10,000 at the time, was faced with the immense logistical challenge of housing, feeding, and caring for this sudden influx of stranded international travelers, who became known as the "plane people" or "come from aways." Over several days, local citizens, schools, and community organizations mobilized to provide shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support, transforming public spaces into temporary accommodations.
This episode is widely cited as a remarkable instance of human kindness, compassion, and international solidarity during a time of global crisis. The profound hospitality shown by the residents of Gander and surrounding communities left a lasting impact on the stranded passengers and has since become a significant cultural touchstone. The story has been immortalized in various media, most notably in the award-winning Broadway musical Come from Away, which chronicles the experiences of both the residents and the travelers during those days.
