September 11th 2001, a day many of us will never forget.
Twenty four Canadians were among the nearly three thousand who lost their lives after four planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, The Pentagon in Virginia and a field southeast of Pittsburgh.
“The room there was silent, other than people whispering on telephones. It was stunning and I think we were all stunned for a while” remembers Scott McFadden, who was the CEO of the Thunder Bay Airport Authority at the time.
McFadden happened to be in Montreal for the Conference of the Airports Council International, alongside other airport Chief Executive Officers.
“I was trying to get on the phone to Thunder Bay. We already were hearing that the airspace was being closed and aircraft were being diverted. The airport was put on alert for a brief period of time with the potential for diversions of transatlantic or transpacific flights” notes McFadden when looking back.
Checked baggage scanning and security screening, among other things, were enhanced in the five years following that fateful day.
McFadden feels the day was a turning point for the industry as a whole.
We honour the 2,977 people who lost their lives 19 years ago today. Our thoughts are with those forever impacted, incl loved ones and first responders. At 8:40am, consider watching the live streamed commemoration ceremony from @Sept11Memorial #neverforget #911day #september11 pic.twitter.com/4yxAVwYSyc
– Police Association of Ontario (PAO) (@PoliceAssocON) September 11, 2020
It’s a day many of us will never forget. 19 years ago, the deadliest terrorist attacks in American history claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives – including 24 Canadians. As we remember them today, we also stand in solidarity with all those whose lives were forever changed.
– Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 11, 2020
Today marks 19 years since the attacks on September 11, 2001.
We honour the victims, remember their families and thank the selfless first responders who, without hesitation, ran into danger. #911anniversary
– Doug Ford (@fordnation) September 11, 2020
In 2001, our Nation, united under God, made an unbreakable promise never to forget the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who were senselessly killed on September 11th. On this sacred day – Patriot Day – we solemnly honor that commitment. https://t.co/LzAFPe72YX
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2020
