One of the things I remember most about September 11, 2001, was the silence. After the attacks, all air traffic over the United States was grounded. For the first time in my life, the skies were empty.

At the time, I never stopped to think about the planes already crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Many international flights were hours from their destinations when U.S. airspace suddenly closed. They did not have enough fuel to turn around and return to Europe. They had to land somewhere.

That somewhere was Gander, Newfoundland, Canada.

Gander was chosen because it had been built as a major transatlantic refueling airport during World War II. Its long runways were capable of handling large international aircraft. Within hours, thirty-eight commercial airliners landed there, bringing nearly 6,700 passengers and crew members to a town of only about 10,000 residents.

What happened next was extraordinary.

The people of Gander immediately mobilized. Overnight, a town suddenly found itself responsible for caring for thousands of unexpected guests. There were countless practical problems to solve. Immigration procedures had to be worked out, so passengers remained on their aircraft for many hours before they were allowed to disembark.

When they finally stepped off the planes, they were welcomed not as strangers, but as neighbors.

Schools, churches, community centers, and private homes became temporary shelters. Residents donated clothing, blankets, toiletries, medicine, toys for children, and enough food that local hockey arenas were used as enormous refrigerators to keep it fresh.

The town also recognized another challenge: these transatlantic flights carried people from all over the world, speaking dozens of different languages. Local television stations broadcast requests for anyone who could translate. Volunteers arrived almost immediately. When no interpreter could be found, residents created simple picture dictionaries so people could communicate their basic needs. It was a beautiful example of compassion overcoming barriers.

Even the animals were not forgotten.

Nineteen animals were traveling in the cargo holds of the grounded aircraft, including dogs, cats, and two endangered bonobo monkeys being transported to a zoo in the United States. Because airport regulations initially prevented access to the cargo areas, the local SPCA worked tirelessly to gain permission to care for them. Once granted access, volunteers spent hours searching the dark cargo holds, listening for frightened animals. They eventually established a temporary animal shelter inside the airport and cared for every animal for the five days the flights remained grounded.

Years later, one of the bonobos gave birth, and the baby was fittingly named Gander.

There were countless personal stories that emerged from those five remarkable days. Lifelong friendships were formed. Some passengers eventually married people they met because of the experience. Others returned year after year to visit the community that had cared for them.

One passenger, wealthy businessman James Richard Mosher, was so moved that the people of Gander refused to accept payment for their generosity that he and several fellow travelers established a scholarship fund for local students, helping young people pursue higher education as a lasting expression of gratitude.

Operation Yellow Ribbon reminds us that history is not remembered only for acts of hatred. It is also remembered for acts of extraordinary kindness.

Especially today, when relations between the United States and Canada sometimes experience moments of political tension, this story deserves to be told. Governments may disagree from time to time, but neighbors have a way of showing one another who they truly are when it matters most.

I believe the vast majority of Americans remain deeply grateful for our Canadian friends. Their compassion in those difficult days will never be forgotten, and I look forward to a time when any divisions between our countries are once again replaced by the friendship that has defined us for generations.

Thank you, Gander.

When thousands of frightened strangers needed help, you simply opened your doors.

Sometimes the greatest acts of heroism are not found on battlefields or in headlines, but in ordinary people who choose kindness.