American diplomat recounts Canadian solidarity with U.S. after Sept. 11 attacks

American diplomat Baxter Hunt recounts the immense solidarity expressed by Canadians following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. On the day of the attacks, Hunt described finding "a mountain of flowers" outside the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa, and emphasized the profound sense of unity and support that the Canadian people demonstrated.

He recalled the massive gathering of 80,000 people at Parliament Hill for a national day of mourning, as well as displays of compassion from provinces and even financial institutions on Bay Street. Hunt highlighted the remarkable example of Newfoundland's Gander community, which took in 38 stranded passenger planes carrying over 6,500 travelers after U.S. airspace was closed.

He also stressed the importance of the 24 Canadians who were killed alongside other non-Americans during the attacks. Hunt went on to explain that the events of 9/11 reinforced the necessity for the United States and Canada to work closely together on security and defense matters, leading to actions such as standardized airport security and NATO's first collective security clause invocation.

The diplomat concluded by praising the enduring strength of the Canada-United States relationship, describing it as a "North American family" in the face of challenges.