A group of Americans who found themselves stranded in Newfoundland on the fateful day of 11 September 2001 have spoken out, expressing dismay at their president’s recent approach to Canada. Among them, Sue Riccardelli and her partner Maureen Murray have taken a public stand, displaying a distinctive banner during recent performances of the musical Come From Away to honour the hospitality they received in Gander, N.L.
The pair’s gesture has sparked conversation not only about the past but also about current diplomatic tensions. Their flag, a visual reminder of a night when a small community opened its doors to total strangers, now serves as a silent protest against policies they feel betray the spirit of neighbourly aid.
A Night of Gratitude
When the skies over New York were shattered on that Tuesday morning, the impact rippled far beyond the United States. Flights bound for America were diverted en masse, leaving dozens of aircraft and thousands of passengers perched in the remote corner of the Atlantic. In Gander, a town of roughly 10,000 inhabitants, the sudden influx transformed everyday life into an extraordinary act of generosity. Residents opened schools, churches, and homes, providing food, shelter, and medical care without hesitation. For many of the travellers, the experience forged a lasting bond with a community they had never known existed.
The Flag That Never Fades
It was during a recent run of Come From Away—a production that recounts the very events of that September—that Riccardelli and Murray decided to make their statement visible to a broader audience. The flag they chose features a simple design: a white dove perched on a maple leaf, encircled by the words “We are not Trump.” The symbolism is deliberate; the dove represents peace and the hope that the kindness shown in 2001 should guide present‑day relations. By displaying it at the theatre, the couple hoped to remind both locals and visitors that the spirit of unity transcends politics. The banner has already drawn media coverage and sparked discussions among patrons, many of whom share stories of the unexpected friendships formed during the crisis.
Political Tensions Echo
The timing of this demonstration coincides with a series of recent statements from the White House concerning Canadian trade and border policies. Critics argue that the administration’s rhetoric has strained a relationship historically defined by shared history and mutual support. For those who lived through the 2001 ordeal, the contrast between the open‑hearted response of Gander’s citizens and the current diplomatic climate is stark. “We are not Trump” is more than a slogan; it is a declaration of identity, a refusal to be lumped together with a political figure whose actions they believe contradict the values of compassion and solidarity they experienced firsthand. The pair’s public stance has encouraged other former stranded passengers to voice their own concerns, creating a small but resonant chorus of dissent.
Why it Matters
The story of the 9/11 evacuees in Newfoundland is a testament to human resilience and the power of community in moments of crisis. It also serves as a timely reminder that diplomatic relationships are not merely the domain of leaders and officials; they are lived experiences of ordinary people who have witnessed both generosity and neglect. By turning a personal memory into a public statement, Riccardelli and Murray have highlighted how historical events continue to shape contemporary discourse, urging a return to the ethos of openness that defined Gander’s response. Their flag, fluttering above a theatre stage, stands as a visual call to respect the bonds forged in tragedy and to ensure that political rhetoric does not eclipse the humane values that sustain societies.
