The Day the World Came to Town cover art

The Day the World Came to Town

9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

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The Day the World Came to Town

Written by: Jim DeFede
Narrated by: Ray Porter
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About this listen

Perfect for fans of the musical Come From Away!

When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17,000. The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill. As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email, and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news.

©2002 Jim DeFede (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers
21st Century Canada Aviation Transportation Heartfelt Inspiring
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What listeners say about The Day the World Came to Town

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Great Story

I had heard some of the stories from gander but this book wraps it up perfectly

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Proud to be Canadian

Telling the individual stories of passengers really brought to life the full meaning of the efforts of so many small town folks to bring positivity into a horrific time for the affected people. I am proud to be Canadian and this story reinforced that the kindness of Canadians is alive and well. Thank you to all the people involved in helping on 9/11.

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Loved it!!!

I cried happy tears through the entire book. Listening to all these incredible experiences during a tragic experience. I can’t wait to go to Newfoundland.

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A true Canadian story

I was 1-week shy of 16 on September 11th, 2001. I remember what that day felt like, and I remember hearing about Gander. This is such a Canadian story that has never failed to inspire both pride and humility.

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An amazing side of 9/11

Thank you! This was a uplifting, true story about kindness under pressure and showed the horrific events if 9/11 in a whole new way. Well worth reading and well read.

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Very nice story, great performer

This "almost" made me want to go live in Grander Newfoundland! I enjoyed the reader very much.

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Fascinating and uplifting

Wonderful to hear of such genuine, generous and kind people. Also very interesting to hear the behind the scenes logistics of handling this emergency situation. Couldn’t stop listening.

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A beautiful story of Newfoundland hospitality

From the depths of tragedy, a demonstration of true hospitality. Strangers that reached out and became friends.

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true

loved it, newfies are best people I met in North America, no surprise here

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Proud Canadian

I remember hearing about this act a while after 9/11 but wasn't aware of how many people were involved. the people of our east coast are always so kind and willing to help and that has really shone through this time of need

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