Airline passengers who experienced the hospitality of Newfoundlanders on September 11th 2001, when their trans-Atlantic flight from Germany was diverted to Gander airport as a result of that day's terrorist attacks against the United States are showing their gratitude in a significant way.

Thanks to the efforts of a retired Ohio State University administrator, Shirley Brooks-Jones, who was one of the passengers who spent three days in the community of Lewisport, a scholarship fund has been raised to benefit students from the area.

"We were overwhelmed by the way Newfoundlanders opened their homes to us. People hugged us, talked with us, laughed with us, and cried with us. There was so much love surrounding us that we knew everything would be all right," she said in a recent interview.

She has raised more than $35,000 to date, and expects future donations will add more.

The friendliness of the people of Lewisport was the subject of a letter written by a Dublin passenger to an Irish newspaper, republished in The Canadian Vindicator's January issue. The friendships formed between the unexpected visitors and their Newfoundland hosts was also featured by Rex Murphy on Canadian television. Mr. Murphy, himself a Newfoundlander, has carved out a unique reputation as a respected television journalist and perspicacious commentator on Canadian national affairs.