'Ganderites' visit 9/11 Memorial ahead of Come From Away Broadway debut

Oz Fudge took off his hat as a sign of respect before he entered the 9/11 Memorial in New York City Friday.

The Gander municipal officerwas here once beforesix years ago,when the buildingwas under construction.

"The base of the towers were thereand they were just constructing this, and it was almost like you could feelthesoulsof everybody," Fudge said.

The memorial and museum sits at Ground Zero and actsas tribute of remembrance to those who died.

Fudge saidtheir presence is felt.

"That's why Ieven took off my hat because that's the type of respect they need and it's almost likethey'rehere and they're watching what's going on here."

When 6,000 passengers were stranded in Gander hours after the attack on the twin towers,Fudge leaptinto action. He was part of anemergency response team offering help whereit was needed.

It's in my DNA, it's in my son's, it's in any officer; you go to a scene to try and save.- Oz Fudge

Seeing the tributes and pieces of twisted metal left behind from a horrific attack resonates even more for Fudge because of his job.

"It's in the DNA.It's in my DNA, it's in my son's, it's in any officer; you go to a scene to try and save. That's why you go," he said. "And they [first responders] went and there was no one to save."

In the five days afterall commercial and general aviation air traffic was halted, friendships were born and everlasting bonds were forged, as Gander and surrounding communities served up meals, offeredplaces to stay and opened their arms to stranded passengers.

Broadway bound

It's those stories of compassion that will play out on stage whenCome From Awaymakes its official debut on Broadway Sunday night.

Fudge will be there. So will fellow 'Ganderite'BeulahCooper.

"I know it's going to beemotionalbut I'm still looking forward to it," Cooper said, as she walked through the sombre, hallowed underground museum and memorial.

Cooper, who greets you with ahug rather than a handshake, is also portrayed in Come From Away.

She too has a connection to first respondersher son is a retired member of Gander Fire Rescue.

The glitz of a Broadway show doesn't overshadow the tragedy that took place more than 16 years ago, and it's never far from their minds.

"No words candescribeit," said Cooper.

After a successful run in California and Washingtonand showings in Toronto and Newfoundland, Come From Away debuts at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Sunday.

• Come From Away gets standing ovation at Toronto opening
• Come From Away cast wraps emotional visit to Newfoundland with screech-in
• Come From Away rocks two shows in Newfoundland ahead of Toronto, Broadway