Twenty‑Fifth Anniversary: America Reflects on the 9/11 Attacks

In Gander, Newfoundland, the U.S. ambassador to Canada praised the small town that took in thousands of diverted passengers during the hours following the attacks.

“When people in America hear the name Gander, our hearts soften,” Pete Hoekstra said.

“As a representative of the United States government, thank you for your friendship… to Canada, thank you for being a partner and for the shared sacrifices you made together.”

His remarks occur amid strained U.S.–Canada relations, which are currently caught up in a trade dispute. Ahead of the commemorations, some local residents had urged Hoekstra’s invitation to be withdrawn.

Nevertheless, his address drew widespread applause. Later, former Canadian prime minister Jean Chrétien addressed the audience, reminding his American counterparts not to mistakenly view their generosity as weakness. He finished to a standing ovation.

In Milan, a group of Italian and U.S. firefighters participated in a ceremonial stair climb to honor the emergency responders who died in the line of duty.

Dressed in their uniforms and carrying equipment, they climbed 110 floors up and down the Galfa Tower, symbolizing the height of the Twin Towers that fell twenty‑four years ago.

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