911 Changed The World – Sportswave Remembers

Photo Credit Pixabay

 Memories last a lifetime and in this case I was reminded of the Assassination of John F. Kennedy November 22, 1963 that shook the world only thinking how much more horrible 911 was knowing that a plane had flown into the World Trade Centre in Manhattan.

On this day 22 years ago four planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania killing almost 3,000 innocent people and reported that 2,753 people were missing in lower Manhattan.

Watching the unprovoked attacks on incident citizens of New York that left the world stunned in shock and to this day as a Canadian it’s something that I will never ever forget.

I look back knowing that my Dad was with the UN Peacekeeping forces stationed in Cairo Egypt from September 57 to September 58 telling us how his plane was shot down over the Gaza Strip along with other stories that would shock many in today’s world.

I for one am proud of my Dad as well and his Brothers who joined the military to keep us safe from any harm that might come from outside forces.

The events Sept. 11, 2001 forever changed the World as 19 terrorists with al-Qaida, an Islamist extremist group led by Osama bin Laden, hijacked four passenger airplanes in an all out effort to commit attacks in the United States.

Everyone who is old enough remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing when what they were doing simply was less important than their job.

The killing of innocent Men, Women and Children saw how relevant the police, firefighters, K-9  and first responders jumped into action without giving any thought to the meaning of their own life. 

They are trained to act by putting the injured first running into the burning building as those in the buildings were making their way out floor after floor.

Hearing of this horrific news made my heart stop waiting for additional news updates, holding off for additional news that I never ever would have thought something like this would happen in my lifetime.

The thought of sports never entered my mind as to who was playing, when the next sporting assignment was or when the next broadcast would take place and at that moment my thoughts were on everyone in New York.

The question many were asking was what was next and where would the next attack take place and could this happen in other cities in Canada and the world.

The USA jumped into action as did cities on the east coast of Canada that saw the US immediately close all airspace that saw Canada welcome 224 International flights. 

The majority of planes destined for  New York and surrounding areas were in Atlantic Canada and were immediately given status to land in the Maritimes, directing them away from all major American cities.

With Canada welcoming around 33,000 passengers this was officially dubbed  as Operation Yellow Ribbon. 

Several airports on the East Coast were immediately put into action including Gander International Airport in Newfoundland that landed 38 flights. 

For a small-town of only 10,000 people in true Canadian fashion  the citizens welcomed over 6,500 in the days that followed.

As we look back on that horrific tragedy we’ll never forget how Canada united and all the hard work that the front line workers did to keep the world safe that had many wondering what could happen next.

As we reflect looking back some 22 years it’s a day that we will never ever forget and are thankful for the professionalism shown by all the dedicated workers who to this day continue to keep us safe from  the act of a deranged group.

Myself and Laird are taking a moment to reflect and give thanks to all who continue to keep us safe!!!!

Take a minute to give thanks!!!!