GANDER, Newfoundland (AP) — Standing in the town that sheltered thousands of stranded Americans after the Sept. 11 attacks, former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien marked the 25th anniversary Friday with a pointed message for the United States: "Never mistake our generosity for weakness."
The 92-year-old former leader, who was prime minister at the time of the attacks, drew a standing ovation after telling his "American friends" that Canadians may be tolerant and kind but "we bow to no one." U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra rose afterward and hugged him.
"I say that not in anger, but as one friend to another," Chrétien said. "Friends need to be honest with each other."
The unusually blunt remarks came during a solemn ceremony honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93, and remembering Gander's extraordinary response to the attacks.
Gander, Newfoundland opened its arms to nearly 6,600 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down airspace during 9/11.
#attacks #former #tien #nearly
The 92-year-old former leader, who was prime minister at the time of the attacks, drew a standing ovation after telling his "American friends" that Canadians may be tolerant and kind but "we bow to no one." U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra rose afterward and hugged him.
"I say that not in anger, but as one friend to another," Chrétien said. "Friends need to be honest with each other."
The unusually blunt remarks came during a solemn ceremony honoring the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93, and remembering Gander's extraordinary response to the attacks.
Gander, Newfoundland opened its arms to nearly 6,600 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down airspace during 9/11.
#attacks #former #tien #nearly
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