On September 11, 2001, when U.S. airspace suddenly closed, a small town in Newfoundland was thrust into the center of global chaos.

Gander, with a population of just 10,000, became the unexpected host to 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 stranded passengers. In an instant, the town nearly doubled in size.

There are certain life experiences that are forever etched in our memories.

For me, one such memory occurred in April of this year - just a few short months ago.