Today is the 23rd anniversary of the date on which people around the world watched with horror as terrorists, attacked some iconic American landmarks, claiming the lives of thousands of people.

While the horrific events left the world reeling, it was the actions of people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador that provided the silver lining.

Area residents opened their hearts, and in some cases, their homes, to thousands of so-called plane people, who had diverted to St. John’s, Goose Bay, Stephenville and Gander when North American airspace was closed for days following the attacks.