September 11, 2021, marks a somber anniversary. Twenty years ago, in 2001, terrorists hijacked three airplanes and used them as weapons and diversions to attack the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. A fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people, including 24 Canadians, were killed. But it was also a day when Canadians demonstrated the kindness, generosity, and resilience of the human spirit.
When the US closed its airspace, Canada responded by initiating Operation Yellow Ribbon, diverting 240 planes carrying thousands of passengers to several Canadian forces bases and 17 different civilian airports across the country. Every 90 seconds, a pilot requested to enter Canadian airspace. The operation marked the first time in history that all Canadian & United States airspace was shut down.
In addition to initiation OP Yellow Ribbon, CF-18 fighters were assigned to NORAD. The Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) was placed on standby at 8 Wing Trenton, Ontario. The HMCS ships Preserver, Iroquois, and Ville de Québec were put in a higher state of readiness in case they were required to go to a U.S. port to provide humanitarian assistance.
Other Canadian forces were immediately mobilized under Operation Support with two objectives, to provide help and support to the stranded aircrew and passengers, as well as increase emergency preparedness. CF units in the Atlantic region provided thousands of beds and ration packs; nine CF transport aircraft delivered about 8,800 cots, 8,300 blankets, and 55 support personnel to places where commercial flights had been diverted. CF aircraft also transported Canada Customs and Revenue Agency officials to those locations so stranded travelers could clear Customs and enter Canada — many of them to accept the hospitality of the communities in which they found themselves.
The town of Gander, Newfoundland, was a key part of the efforts. Thirty-eight flights and nearly6,600 passengers were diverted to 9 Wing Gander, which handled security, transportation, telecommunications, and the unloading of aircraft. Meanwhile, Residents of the town also jumped into action and helped in any way they could. They donated food, provided bedding, created shelters, and even welcomed passengers into their homes. The true north was strong that day, and the passengers of these flights would never forget the hospitality of Gander and her citizens.
The attacks prompted the United States and allies, including Canada, to intervene against the Taliban government in Afghanistan, which sheltered the terrorists that planned the attacks.
In the weeks to follow, Canada passed controversial anti-terrorism laws and sent its first troops to Afghanistan as part of the “War on Terror.”
Photo Credit Valour of Canada
By December 2001, commandos from Canada’s elite Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) were sent to Afghanistan to join American, British, and other international forces fighting the Taliban. More soldiers soon followed, and Canada would stay in the region until 2014. By the time the operation ended, 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members had served in Afghanistan and 158 brave warriors had lost their lives, and over 2,00 wounded.
Recent events in Afghanistan have prompted Canadians to again reflect on the sacrifices made during Canada’s involvement in the mission and to voice concern about the future of Afghanistan and its people, including those who supported Canada’s efforts in the country. Canada House stands with our troops, veterans as well as all Canadians as we all reflect on this horrific day.
20 years after 9/11 – #WeRemember. We will #NeverForget