19 Years Since 9/11

Today is a day etched in the memories of so many people. We all remember where we were when we heard the news that planes crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11th, 2001.

That attack set off a chain reaction of events that saw Canada enter, with our allies, into a conflict in Afghanistan. 159 Canadian soldiers died in that conflict.

At 8:46 am Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. At 9:02 am Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower. At 9:37 am Flight 77 crashes into the west side of the Pentagon. Flight 93 crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after a fight onboard the aircraft when passengers and crew try to retake the plane.

Including the hijackers, 2,996 people were killed and about 25,000 others were injured.

As a result of the attacks, United States airspace was closed. Canada received 226 flights and launched Operation Yellow Ribbon.

Gander International Airport played a huge role. Taking in 38 planes with 6,122 passengers and 473 crew members.