A new Heritage Minute showcasing the assistance provided by Gander and neighboring towns in Newfoundland during the 9/11 attacks has been released. This Minute stars renowned comedian Rick Mercer as Mayor Claude Elliott, actress Petrina Bromley as a stranded passenger, and Freya Steffan as a young girl offering sandwiches. The cast includes hundreds of volunteers from the community who portrayed various roles, such as first responders and stranded individuals from around the world. The film crew, entirely composed of Newfoundland and Labrador locals, worked tirelessly for over a year to bring this significant historical event to life.
Producers Rob and Peter Blackie, natives of Gander, expressed the added responsibility and pride in creating a Heritage Minute that holds immense significance for their country and hometown. This Minute, a staple of Canadian patriotism, is part of a series initiated in 1991 by billionaire Charles Bronfman to educate audiences about historical moments. The Gander 9/11 Heritage Minute sheds light on the region’s historical events, being only the fourth Minute to do so for Newfoundland and Labrador.
Chantal Gagnon, the senior creative director at Historica Canada, highlighted the importance of telling stories like Gander’s assistance during 9/11, especially as time passes and memories fade. Heritage Minutes, which depict various Canadian historical events, are not only broadcast on television but are also featured on digital platforms and in cinemas. The Gander 9/11 Minute, filmed in Gander’s iconic International Lounge, captures the essence of the region’s hospitality and resilience during the crisis.
Beulah Cooper, a key figure in the Broadway musical “Come From Away,” reflected on her involvement in the reenactment, expressing gratitude for being part of the project. The dedicated team behind this Heritage Minute brings decades of collective experience to ensure the authenticity and emotional impact of the production. The new Heritage Minute: Gander and 9/11 is now available for viewing on YouTube and the Historica Canada website.