Facets of a Friendship: Bonavista-New York City-Gander

WTC, Bonavista, Gander Airport

I'd like to share a "friendship story" about Newfoundlanders and Americans. It's about the men of Bonavista, Newfoundland, the skyscrapers of New York City, and the residents and 9/11 visitors of Gander, Newfoundland. They may not have known it at the time, but people in all three places created what could be considered one story.

Bonavista, Newfoundland Photo by Shutterstock

The north Atlantic is known for its stormy weather, and every fishing community has its own tales of men lost at sea. Bonavista is no exception. Historically, its fishermen have been as brave as any.

Several decades ago, overfishing in international waters off Newfoundland’s coast started a decline in the island’s fishery. The effects are still felt today. What did Newfoundland fishermen do when their livelihoods failed? Where did they work?

Surprisingly, many Bonavista fishermen became steelworkers. They helped build skyscrapers and bridges in Canadian and American cities. Could their years on their boats have helped them develop extraordinary balance? Pardon the pun, but could their experiences on rough seas have given them nerves of steel?

Their new jobs required hours of standing on one-foot-wide beams hundreds of feet up in the breezy air. As they guided long steel beams into place, they were well aware of the risk. Proud and brave, many saw working in the steel industry as their best opportunity.

Of the 1200 steel workers who risked their lives building the World Trade Center, 300 were Newfoundlanders. Many were from Bonavista. Like so many other immigrants, they helped build America. (Watch a documentary about the steel workers from Bonavista here. )

Incidentally, these men were joined by other Canadians in helping build of the Trade Center. Some worked for the Canadian company that built the structures. Others forged the Canadian steel that was used. The people of both countries have worked together – both north and south of the border – to build our countries into what they are today.

From Bonavista to New York and back to Newfoundland...

Twenty-four years ago, when the events of 9/11 brought international travel to a standstill, 38

airliners made emergency landings in Gander, Newfoundland, just a few hours’ drive from Bonavista. For five days, the 9,600 people of Gander housed, fed and otherwise cared for those 6,500 “plane people” and their pets - including 17 cats and dogs and 2 rare Bonobo apes, one of which was pregnant.

Local stores donated whatever bedding and supplies were needed. Area residents prepared food for the distraught visitors and took them into their homes, cottages, churches and schools. They increased the number of phone lines and set up television sets so the travelers could connect with loved ones. Newfoundland residents and businesses supported those who were unable to reach their loved ones. They did everything they could for those in need.

The plane people, as they were affectionately called, were grateful for the warm hospitality. Before leaving Gander many helped create a beautiful mural at one of the schools where they were housed. In the days after they returned home, the visitors established scholarship funds for Gander-area students.

Compassion Monument in front of Gander Town Hall

In a generous gesture, sections of beams from the fallen towers were given to the towns of Gander and Appleton. In Gander, the memorial is known as the Compassion Monument.

How ironic that Newfoundlanders had a hand not only in building the World Trade Center but in preserving a small part of it. Long may the people of Gander, Bonavista and New York City enjoy their well-traveled friendship. May our countries continue to thrive.

A mural created by Gander's 9/11 visitors. Photo by Jin Lee

And as they say in Newfoundland, "Long may your big jib draw!"

Join me as I tell more stories of the friendship between Newfoundland, Canada and the USA.  

Josette Abruzzini is a native Canadian and a naturalized American who grew up in Grand Falls, Newfoundland & Labrador. She attended college in upstate New York, where several of her aunts and uncles were living. She met her husband during that time. For decades, Josette and Vince lived in Maplewood, NJ where they raised their family and where she taught hundreds of American school children. Writing has become a beloved pastime. Follow her at  Josette Abruzzini/STEAM Educator/Writer.