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Executive Council
Municipal Affairs
September 11, 2013

Newfoundland and Labrador Remembers 9/11: New Monument Unveiled in Appleton

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador joins people across the country and around the world, in remembering the events of September 11, 2001. This province has a close connection to the events of 9/11 as residents banded together to accommodate stranded passengers following the terrorist attacks that day.

“Today we are remembering one of the most terrible events in human history, and recalling the generous outpouring of support from the people of our province for airline passengers who found themselves stranded here,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “During those tragic days, our residents in their own quiet and thankless way gave of their time, opened their homes and provided refuge to thousands of our American neighbours.”

A ceremony was held today in the Town of Appleton to commemorate the anniversary of 9/11. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander, represented the Provincial Government at the event. The event comes on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks when planes in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania were hijacked and crashed, forcing flights to land at a number of airports in the province, including Gander. Many passengers were accommodated in communities across the region.

"The people of my district made a tremendous effort to help those in need following these terrible events in the United States,” said Minister O’Brien. “By offering accommodations, donations of food, clothing and money, they helped thousands of stranded passengers and made their stay more comfortable, even in the wake of such extraordinary circumstances. This ceremony is a way of saying thank you, and the monument will create a legacy in this community for generations.”

A piece of steel from the wreckage of the World Trade Centre towers was donated to the Town of Appleton by the New York and New Jersey Port Authority and the Government of the United States of America. Joining Minister O’Brien at the ceremony today were the Consul General of the United States to Halifax Richard Reilly, the Right Reverend David Torraville, Anglican Bishop of Central Newfoundland, and Derm Flynn, Mayor of Appleton.

“I am humbled to be here today as the mayor of this town, and to accept this piece of history which we will treasure for many years,” said Mayor Flynn. “We have strong and dedicated volunteers in our community, and this monument will forever remind us of the important part that they all played during those dark days in September of 2001.”

The steel, which has been put on display at the Appleton Peace Park, recalls the significant contribution of the town and others in the central region during the days following the terrorist attacks.

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Photo:

  • The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander, joined by the Right Reverend David Torraville, Anglican Bishop of Central Newfoundland, Mayor of Appleton, Derm Flynn and Consul General of the United States to Halifax, Richard Reilly, unveiling a monument in the Town of Appleton during commemoration ceremony for 9/11 attacks.
The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander, joined by the Right Reverend David Torraville, Anglican Bishop of Central Newfoundland, Mayor of Appleton, Derm Flynn and Consul General of the United States to Halifax, Richard Reilly, unveiling a monument in the Town of Appleton during commemoration ceremony for 9/11 attacks.

Media contacts:

Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca
 
Tracey Boland
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 697-3128
traceyboland@gov.nl.ca 
Hugh Donnan
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 725-6511
hughdonnan@gov.nl.ca 
Derm Flynn
Mayor of Appleton
709-679-2289
townofappleton@personainternet.com 

2013 09 11                                       12:00 p.m.

 
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