Follow-up on the Gander story

guest — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:08:12 GMT

I wrote a short blog about a story that NBC's Tom Brokaw did about the Gander airport. I've received multiple requests to let people know if I get information about when the story will run again. Due to the overwhelming number of requests for follow-up information, I dropped NBC a note and asked when the story might run again or how to access the video to show at civic group functions and in the classroom.

I sent the note to NBC moments ago. It may take them awhile to get back to me. If and when I hear anything, I'll post it here ASAP.

Thanks for reading and have a great day ~

Gander, Newfoundland story by Tom Brokaw

guest — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:42:28 GMT

One of the most uplifting human interest stories I’ve seen during the Olympic Games coverage was the piece on the Gander International Airport that ran on February 27^th, done by NBC’s Tom Brokaw.

The Gander airport (as well as my others in Newfoundland and mainland Canada) played critical roles during the September 11, 2001 attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. When the U.S.A. closed its airspace, transatlantic flights had to be rerouted. Some were turned back to their origination airport; but others were too far westbound to turn back.

I believe Brokaw said that the population of Gander was 10,000 people and the town had two law enforcement officers. The town did an astounding job of opening their resources, homes and hearts to over 6,000 travelers (I think Brokaw said 6,600?) unable to make it to their U.S.A. destinations. Imagine a volume of people that equals about 65% of your total city population, appearing unexpectedly on your doorstep one day. Could your city handle the job?

I’ve searched the NBC site to see if they plan to post or rerun the story. I haven’t found anything yet. When I do, I’ll let you know.

It is well worth watching high-quality, good people in action.

Blog Posts From Active Expert: Gale Bernhardt Tagged With gander_newfoundland

Follow-up on the Gander story

Gander, Newfoundland story by Tom Brokaw