Welcome to the Rock
Thumbnail image of Gander’s scenic nature
The island of Newfoundland is known as "The Rock."

“The Rock” is where our story takes place.

When the U.S. shut down its airspace, Canada offered to house inbound planes flying from Europe. Planes were diverted to fly into Gander International Airport.

Map of Newfoundland, Gander and neighboring towns Glenwood, Lewisporte, Appleton, Gambo, and Norris Arm
Gander and its neighboring towns Glenwood, Lewisporte, Appleton, Gambo, and Norris Arm all welcomed “Come From Aways” into their homes.

BY THE NUMBERS

10,000: Approximate Gander population in 2001 6,549: Number of people grounded in Gander on September 11, 2001 4: Number of hours it takes to get to the nearest Starbucks (in St. John's!) 38: Number of planes diverted to land in Gander 100: Number of countries represented by the people grounded in Gander 19: Number of animals in cargo 317: Number of minutes the 'Come From Aways' initially waited to exit the planes 550: Number of hotel rooms in Gander
By the Numbers
10,000: Approximate Gander population in 2001 6,549: Number of people grounded in Gander on September 11, 2001 4: Number of hours it takes to get to the nearest Starbucks (in St. John's!) 38: Number of planes diverted to land in Gander 100: Number of countries represented by the people grounded in Gander 19: Number of animals in cargo 317: Number of minutes the 'Come From Aways' initially waited to exit the planes 550: Number of hotel rooms in Gander
Speak Like a Newfoundlander

SPEAK LIKE A NEWFOUNDLANDER

Roll overTap each bubble to learn more about each "Newfinese" phrase (the Newfoundland insider language).

Come From Away: A traveler to Newfoundland - someone who wasn't born there.
Come on, we go's!: Let's go!
Sweet Jesus in the garden!: Oh my gosh!
A scoff and a scuff: Dinner and a dance
God love your cotton socks: Thank you!
The arse is gone right out of her: It's all gone wrong
Who knit ya?: Who's your mother/parents?
Long may your big jib draw: May you have good fortune
Like a birch brooms in the fits: Messy hair
I'm gutfoundered. Fired up a scoff: I'm hungry. Make we some food.

IN 2011, GANDER WAS GIVEN TWO STEEL PIECES RECOVERED FROM THE WORLD TRADE CENTER

Ceremony of US Military giving members of Gander community two steel pieces that were recovered from the World Trade Center
The Screech-In

THE SCREECH-IN

Man kissing the cod at a pub in Newfoundland

Kissing the cod or a “Screech-in” is a Newfoundland tradition used to welcome newcomers, so it is fitting that the “Come From Aways” were welcomed in this way.

The ritual is typically performed at a pub by a Newfoundland resident.

The newcomer kisses a codfish and is asked by a resident, “Is ye a Screecher?” The newcomer must reply “Deed I is, me old cock, and long may your big jib draw!” which translates to “Yes indeed, my friend, may there always be wind in your sails.” At that point, they consume a shot of Screech (a type of rum) and receive their certificate from the Royal Order of Newfoundland Screechers.