“On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we honour and remember all those who tragically lost their lives, were injured and forever changed, and show gratitude for those who sacrificed so much on that fateful day.
“We mourn the people who went to work that Tuesday morning who were unable to return home to their loved ones. We remember the first responders who without hesitation jumped into action to help wherever they could, many who lost their lives doing so. We think of all in New York and across the world who watched in horror as this attack played out on tv.
“In the hours and days following the September 11 attacks, people all across Canada stepped in to volunteer their services in response to that horrible event, with kindness and courage, and in the spirit of unity and compassion.
“At the time, I taught at Holy Heart High School and remember watching from my classroom window as plane after plane came in to land at St. John’s Airport. For the next week the school became a hotel to almost a thousand stranded and anxious passengers, many of whom had never been to our province before, didn’t know what had happened, and did not speak English. Teachers, students, parents and community members worked together to make them feel at home and tend to their needs.
“For that reason, we thank and acknowledge those from across Newfoundland and Labrador who saw stranded passengers and treated them as members of their community. Those who opened their homes to families, who prepared food and care packages, who acted as a shoulder to cry on for those who were feeling the anxiety around the horrific attack – your actions ensured that passengers from all over the world felt supported.
“Across this country, communities, businesses, social services, first responders, and volunteer agencies joined hands to help our American friends. This our true Canadian character – acts of generosity that remind us of the best in humanity.
“In these uncertain times, we look at this day as an example of how kindness and community can bring light even in the darkest of times.”