The focus of a 9/11 anniversary memorial event held at the College of the North Atlantic in Gander, N.L., on Thursday was centered on kindness and compassion.
However, underlying tensions were evident due to the harsh comments from American leaders regarding Canada and the intensifying trade conflict.
“We are heartbroken. I feel sad,” expressed Sue Riccardelli from New Jersey, commenting on the attitude towards Canada from U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.
“The majority of Americans do not reflect the views of the administration. People in the U.S. cherish Canadians. They recognize the contributions Canadians made, not just on 9/11, but throughout our long-standing relationship.”
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“It seems to me that the current administration lacks a sense of kindness. I often feel I need to apologize to my Canadian friends,” added Karry Derringer Cashin, another New Jersey resident.
Charity promotes kindness initiatives
Riccardelli and Derringer Cashin were among a small group of Americans who gathered at the college to promote the charity Pay It Forward 9/11, created in response to the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.
This charity encourages individuals to carry out acts of kindness in memory of the victims of the attacks and has gained global recognition, similar to the acclaimed musical Come From Away, which highlights Newfoundland and Labrador’s gracious response to the tragedy.
Founded by Kevin Tuerff on the first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the charity aims to inspire the same kindness he experienced when his flight from Paris to New York was redirected to Gander.
Tuerff remarked that the charity has created a “ripple effect” leading to millions of acts of kindness worldwide, from treating a construction crew to lunch to donating essentials to a shelter for the homeless.
Nevertheless, the stories of kindness shared during Thursday’s event were overshadowed by an air of tension.
Insults and threats to sovereignty
Trump has consistently issued threats to Canadian sovereignty and directed insults towards his Canadian counterparts while escalating a trade dispute between the two nations, which have historically strong economic and strategic ties.
In his closing statements, Tuerff acknowledged the tension as the “elephant in the room,” receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience of 100 when he declared, “Americans adore Canadians.”
Later, Tuerff expressed to reporters his embarrassment over the rhetoric coming from Washington.
“I believe in treating neighbors with respect, as outlined by the golden rule, which is something I witnessed here [25 years ago]. It is humiliating as an American to hear the statements coming from our federal government,” he stated.
Tuerff and other attendees shared hopes for an improvement in relations between the two countries.
“This is just a moment in time. We will restore that relationship,” remarked Maureen Murray, who is on her 11th visit back to Gander since being stranded in the town 25 years ago.