BS: Thank You, dear Canadians

Subject: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: kimmers
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 02:49 PM

This is way overdue, and may be a duplicate.. but my Internet access was down until Thursday, so bear with me.

Monday morning, a tired family finally arrived home in Portland, Oregon... exhausted and incredibly glad to be back safely, but filled with warm memories of those who opened their homes and hearts in time of need.

On 9-11, my friend and partner Antoinette left the office as soon as we heard that the international flights had been diverted. Her parents were flying back from Greece after a summer spent with relatives in Lebanon. With them were their two little grandchildren, Antoinette's niece and nephew. Antoinette was desperately worried about them, not knowing where they had been sent, and was almost unable to work.

Finally, sometime after midnight, she received a message from her mother. The plane had landed in St. John, Newfoundland, with no word as to when the refugees would be allowed to fly home. We knew that they were safe and being well cared for, though, and everyone felt much better.

When they finally came home, one of the first things they told their grateful relatives was, "We love those people and we will go back to visit." The Newfoundlanders were incredible. They provided food, clothing and shelter, and more. Many of the refugees were taken out to see the local sights or were taken whale-watching, and many were put up in private homes.

Thank you, dear friends in Canada, for caring for our people (and the international refugees) in their time of anxiety and grief. We won't forget this.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 03:12 PM

Kimmers, that is wonderful. Thank you for letting us know! That is one of the good things to come out of the whole tragedy. Ordinary people opening up their arms and homes, etc. to help others, complete strangers.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Amos
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 03:44 PM

I am moved by this story. Thanks, friends of the North country.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 04:05 PM

stories like these are the only thing good coming out of this tragedy...

amergin

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Peter T.
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 04:42 PM

Stephen Jay Gould did a nice piece on his unexpected stay in Halifax as well. These are people of the sea, they understand what to do in time of shipwreck only too well.

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 04:57 PM

Peter T. I grew up in Newfoundland, went to University in St. John's. You'll find those folks generous and friendly at all times. My family was stuck in Port a Basques many years ago due to a ferry strike, the locals were quite generous. People of the sea maybe, but a shipwreck is not required.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 22 Sep 01 - 05:46 PM

A Maritime tradition and way of life. Dont mention it neighbours. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Mudlark
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 01:39 AM

Though I had no one directly involved in any part of 9-11 and it's aftermath, I do listen to the Canadian News Channel....and feel so grateful for the masterful, gracious, uncomplaining role Canada played in all this. I was sorry that Tony Blair got such a big play in Bush's speech, but no word of thanks for all that Canada did. Some public recognition is really in order.

I'm not official but I sure am grateful....THANK YOU, CANADA!!!!!

Nancy

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From:
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 01:53 AM

You are all very welcome.

I didn't personally look after any of the people but I did talk to a few of them in one of the bars downtown later in the week. They were in great spirits. Several of my friends were among those who invited stranded travellers to stay with them. They enjoyed themselves as well as the visitors. They all learned something about each other, and made the best of things.

Our ability to host in dire times do come from the disaster times, but it only serves to remind everyone that "there but for the grace of God". We'll keep all parties involved in any capacity in our prayers.

Take care, and thanks again for the thanks. Not really needed. Happy to help.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: CarolC
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 02:24 AM

I have found Canadians to be wonderful and gracious hosts even under the best of circumstances, so it hardly surprises me that you are exceptional in times of crisis.

Add my thanks to the rest.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 03:58 AM

My first visit across the Atlantic was playing guitar at the Radome Club near the airfield in Gander. Canadians have always given me the impression that if you are good in this life, when you die you may get to be Canadian. Canadians, you are great>

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: gnu
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:34 AM

We only had about 1400 stranded here in Moncton, New Brunswick. It does seem odd that Bush didn't acknowledge Canada in his speech, especially when the Letters to the Editor columns of our local papers are literally choked with letters of thanks from those stranded.

The most touching story I heard came from a small town near Halifax. A school collected food stuffs and items of all descriptions and $2500 cash... CASH !!! Brought tears to my eyes.

BTW, the two young families I put up were just as nice as any Maritimer or Newfoundlander. I'm sure they would have done the same for me.

God Bless America.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: kendall
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 05:53 AM

I have ALWAYS appreciated our neighbors to the north. It didn't just happen last week. We are damn lucky to have them.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: The Shambles
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 07:56 AM

I was sorry that Tony Blair got such a big play in Bush's speech, but no word of thanks for all that Canada did. Some public recognition is really in order.

Whilst not wishing to take credit and thanks away from the many good people that deserve it, wherever and whatever their nationality, I think I must take a little exception to the above statement. For you do not have to detract praise from one deserving source in order to give it to another. Just give praise were it is deserved.

This is not based on nationalistic grounds, for I hope this event will bring it home finally to us all, that we all only have one home.

Mr Blair's recognition was for the (as we now see), pretty thankless task of trying to co-ordinate and obtain consensus and support from his fellow European governments.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From:
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 08:06 AM

Gnu, the BEST story I heard of was how a couple from London were headed for Las Vegas with their entire wedding party. Roughly a dozen people inconvenienced. They were all put up in the homes of two neighbours. Needless to say the wedding dress and everything were still in the aircraft.

The families hosing these people set up a complete wedding in the short time they had. It included the minister, wedding dress, tuxedos, and cake, plus church and all other ancillary necessary components of a wedding.

I have to say it brought a lump to my throat!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: RichM
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 02:38 PM

Perhaps one reason for their generosity is that the people of Halifax are no strangers to tragedy. In 1917, two ships collided in Halifax harbour. One ship was carrying explosives destined for the war effort in Europe.

Over 1,900 people were killed immediately; within a year the figure had climbed well over 2,000. Around 9,000 more were injured, many permanently; 325 acres, almost all of north-end Halifax, were destroyed.

See http://www.region.halifax.ns.ca/community/explode.html

for more information.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: kendall
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 02:45 PM

George, those families "hosed" their guests? *BG*

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: kimmers
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 03:54 PM

Well, you know... some of them had been confined to aircraft for up to 24 nervous hours. I can imagine some of them needed a "hosing"... Hopefully not with cold seawater. Brrrr!!

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:15 PM

We send a Christmas tree to the city of Boston every year for the help they sent us in 1917. Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Mudlark
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 07:05 PM

Dear Shambles...

" For you do not have to detract praise from one deserving source in order to give it to another."

I in no way meant to take anything from Blair, only wished Bush could have thought to mention the tremendous help given by Canadians.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 12:04 AM

The events recounted here reminded me of this little bit of history. It was my understanding the the USA donated the hospital to St. Lawrence in gratitude. I have no proof of that. But I've seen the plaque. My friends from lawn have agreed that their town got no thanks but they were not upset. No thanks was expected.

http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/~egrandy/ship/truxton.html

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 12:09 AM

Here is some more info. The US did build the hospital.

http://www.nfcap.nf.ca/east/StLawrence/Attrac/Echoes.html

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 01:49 PM

Well George is meeting with Jean.

"I didn't think it was necessary to praise a brother," said a smiling Bush. "After all, we're talking about family. I think somebody's playing politics with you, Mr. Prime Minister."

"I suggest those who try to play politics with my words and drive wedges between Canada and me understand at this time, when nations are under attack, now's not the time for politics," he said.

They each gave a little speech. He said that he didn't mention Canada because we are family. He said he was amazed. He said that people who brought it up were playing politics and trying to drive a wedge between Canada and America.

No George there was no wedge, people were just a little hurt to be excluded. It's Trudeau's Quote about sleeping with the elephant. Canada is constantly reminded of our relationship with America. Americans often have to be reminded of the importance of Canada.

Jean has promised his support at the Commonwealth heads of Government Meeting in Brisbane, Australia, in October, and the Summit of the Francophonie in Beruit, Lebanon, at the end of October. I am sure he will well represent our common interests.

Thanks thinking of us Mr Bush. No it is not necessary to praise a brother, but because we are close we sometimes we want to hear it even so. But you've had a lot on your mind.

I am glad we are family. I am glad we are friends.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: gnu
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 02:08 PM

I accept that.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: Art Thieme
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 02:18 PM

good positive stuff

art t.

Subject: RE: BS: Thank You, dear Canadians
From: kendall
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 02:25 PM

more embarassment.