Praise for Newfoundlanders from Irish plane traveller

Although the events which the following letter describes took place in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, time cannot diminish the genuine gratitude expressed in it to the people of Newfoundland, and by extension to the Canadian people as a whole.

The letter, which appeared in The Irish Times of November 30 last, deserves republication in every region of Canada.

NEWFOUNDLAND HOSPITALITY

Sir, - I have recently returned from an extensive trip around
the US. I flew out of Dublin on the morning of September
11th by Continental Airlines bound for Newark.

Approximately one hour from our destination the captain
announced that there was an attack on the World Trade
Centre. We were just one of 38 planes with 6,200 passengers
and 450 crew that were diverted to Gander, Newfoundland,
Canada.

All the passengers were shuttled to various accommodations -
a high school recreation hall, church halls and private homes in
the town of Glenwood. People of many nationalities had to
stay for four days.

Businesses and private citizens donated truckloads of
toiletries, toothbrushes, food, blankets, coffee and toys for the
children. Similar efforts were made in St John's, also in
Newfoundland.

The hundreds of people staying in the school were allowed to
make free phone calls to any destination in the world. About
60 striking bus drivers with the Lewisporte-Gander School
Board dropped their placards and quickly responded to a
board request to help transport people stranded at Gander
International Airport.

I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all the residents of
Glenwood, Newfoundland for their kindness and hospitality.
On behalf of my family and myself and the many thousands
who were diverted to Newfoundland: Thank you. - Yours,
etc.,

WILLIAM WYNNE, Griffith Road, Finglas East,
Dublin 11, Ireland. .