One day before the United States mourns those lost on September 11, 2001, on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) wrote on social media: “As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, I am reminded of the remarkable story of Operation Yellow Ribbon. When American airspace closed after the attacks, more than 6,500 stranded travelers were welcomed by the people of Gander, Newfoundland who housed and fed them until the crisis was over. In our darkest hour, our Canadian neighbors demonstrated extraordinary compassion.”
Tillis is being criticized on social media for the post by social media users, including Canadians. As one Canadian replied, “And not one of you cowards stand up to Trump while he continues to attack Canada. Talk is cheap.”
[NOTE: Tillis has publicly challenged President Trump’s sweeping tariff policies. During an April 2025 hearing, he asked Trump’s U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a hearing, “Whose throat do I get to choke if this proves to be wrong?”]
As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, I am reminded of the remarkable story of Operation Yellow Ribbon. When American airspace closed after the attacks, more than 6,500 stranded travelers were welcomed by the people of Gander, Newfoundland who housed and fed them…
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) September 10, 2026
Regarding Operation Yellow Ribbon, the 9/11 Legacy Foundation says: “Canada initiated Operation Yellow Ribbon to manage the diversion of civilian flights from U.S. airspace. This operation aimed to quickly remove potentially threatening air traffic from U.S. skies and safely ground these aircraft in Canada. Between 225 and 240 flights were diverted to 17 Canadian airports, with Gander International Airport in Newfoundland playing a pivotal role.”
The Foundation added: “On 9/11, Gander handled 38 wide-body planes, bringing in over 6,500 passengers and crew—nearly doubling the town’s population of around 10,000,” and said of the Gander residents, “They provided shelter, food, clothing, and emotional support to the stranded passengers, who were affectionately termed ‘come from aways.’ Schools, community centers, and homes were opened to accommodate the influx, showcasing a profound sense of compassion and unity.”
[NOTE: The story of Canada’s welcome during that stressful time became the basis for a Broadway musical titled Come from Away that was nominated for seven Tony Awards in 2017.]