9/11 event planned for Gander 'a completely different commemoration'

Aspecial celebration is in the works forGander this year to mark the 15th anniversary of 9/11, a tragedy that touched the lives of many in the town.

The Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an ecumenical event to help raise awareness and funds for Wounded Warriors Canada,agroup dedicated to honouring and supporting Canada's ill and injured soldiers, veterans, first responders and their families.

"It's really a completely different commemoration this year," said Debby Yannikidis, the chamber chair.

A different event, with a very special guest: the Sept. 11 service will feature renowned Canadian tenor RobertPilon, who has portrayed the title character in the Toronto production of The Phantom of the Operaand JeanValjeanin Les Misrables.He will be joined by the town choir.

"We expect to have a full house," Yannikdis told CBC Radio'sCentral Morning Show.

"RobertPilonthere's not many times he is going to be in Newfoundland."

The actions of the people inthe airport town and its neighbouring communities on 9/11have become known worldwide,even being memorialized ina musical soon to hit Broadway.

Thousands of passengers were stranded in Gander when 38 flights were grounded after theattacks in the U.S..Gander residents opened their arms and homes to help the visitors during their five-day unexpected stopover.

• Gander on 9/11 told 'you were the best of us'

American delegates to attend

Dignitaries scheduled to attend the 2016event include the U.S Consulate General Steven Giegerich, Premier Dwight Ball and Coast of Bays-Central-Notre Dame MP Scott Simms.

There will also be representatives from boththe police and fire departments of New York Cityin attendance.

"There are a large variation of people coming all to pay their respects, to commemorate the 15th anniversary, and to raise awareness about PTSD on behalf of Wounded Warriors Canada and to raise funds for them," saidYannikidis.

The Chamber of Commerce is alsopartnering with the Town of Ganderand the Canadian National Day of Service Foundation for the event.

A gala event originally scheduled for Sept. 10has been cancelled.

The service will start at 2 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the Steele Community Centre in Gander. Tickets for the free event can be picked up at the its box office, although organizers hopeticketholders will donate $9.11 in honour of 9/11.