Jean Chretien Marks 9/11 Anniversary in Gander with Message to US: 'Never Mistake Our Generosity for Weakness'
On Friday, Jean Chretien, the former Prime Minister of Canada, who is now 92, spoke in Gander, Newfoundland, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. In this town that had welcomed many stranded Americans, he made a strong statement: “Never mistake our generosity for weakness.” Chretien reminded his “American friends” that while Canadians are often seen as kind and tolerant, they don’t submit to anyone. His remarks earned a standing ovation, and afterward, US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra gave him a hug. Chretien, who was in office during the attacks, highlighted the importance of honesty among friends. The event also paid tribute to nearly 3,000 victims and acknowledged Gander’s incredible hospitality during the crisis.
Key facts
- Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, 92, spoke at a ceremony in Gander, Newfoundland, on Friday marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
- Chretien said, 'Never mistake our generosity for weakness,' and told 'American friends' that Canadians 'bow to no one.'
- The remarks drew a standing ovation, and US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra rose afterwards and hugged him.
- Chretien stated, 'I say that not in anger, but as one friend to another. Friends need to be honest with each other.'
- The ceremony honored the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, at the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93.
- Gander, Newfoundland, sheltered nearly 6,600 airline passengers diverted there when the US government shut down airspace during September 11.
- The event occurred amid a Canada-US trade war under US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly talked about making Canada the 51st US state.
- Chretien was prime minister at the time of the September 11 attacks.
Entities
Artists
- Jean Chretien
- Pete Hoekstra
- Donald Trump
Institutions
- US government
- Pentagon
Locations
- Gander
- Newfoundland
- Canada
- United States
- New York
- Flight 93