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Gander defends invitation to U.S. ambassador at 9/11 commemoration

From Global News · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

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  • Gander says it invited U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra to its 25th-anniversary 9/11 commemoration as a matter of protocol, not political endorsement.
  • The invitation drew online criticism because Hoekstra has attracted controversy over his comments on Canadian opposition to U.S. tariffs and President Donald Trump’s rhetoric.
  • The town says the ceremony should focus on the nearly 3,000 people killed and the humanitarian response that brought stranded passengers to Gander after the attacks.

Gander is defending its decision to invite U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra to a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, saying the invitation followed protocol rather than signaling political support.

Hoekstra is among the dignitaries expected at the Newfoundland and Labrador town’s commemoration this month. His planned attendance prompted strong online reactions, including a satirical article referencing Come From Away, the musical about Gander’s response after more than 6,500 air passengers were stranded there following the attacks.

There are times when we will disagree. There are also times when we have to recognize that something is bigger than those differences.

· Gander town councilThe council said the 9/11 commemoration should rise above current Canada-U.S. tensions.

In a statement issued Friday, Gander’s town council said the community’s September 11 story was about people, not politics. It said it understood Canadians’ frustration with continuing tensions between Canada and the United States, but asked residents to look beyond those disagreements during the ceremony.

“There are times when we will disagree. There are also times when we have to recognize that something is bigger than those differences,” the council said. “For Gander, September 11 is one of those times.”

For Gander, September 11 is one of those times.

· Gander town councilThe council explained why it invited U.S. diplomatic representatives to the ceremony.

Hoekstra has faced criticism for attacking the “elbows up” campaign against U.S. tariffs and expressing irritation at Canadians’ response to President Donald Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st state. Tens of thousands of Canadians have signed a petition calling for his expulsion and removal as ambassador. His office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hoekstra said he would attend not only for those who were stranded, but for an entire nation still moved by Gander’s generosity. Thirty-eight planes made emergency landings in Gander after U.S. airspace closed on September 11, 2001. The town council said the occasion should keep its focus on the nearly 3,000 people killed, those forever affected and the humanity that brought people together in Gander.

I look forward to meeting many of those who opened their hearts and homes and honouring the enduring bond built that week.

· Pete HoekstraThe U.S. ambassador described why he planned to attend the commemoration.
About this summary

Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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