“In one of the darkest moments in our history, Canada stood by our side and showed itself to be a true friend,” Obama wrote.
“On the 10th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we remember with gratitude and affection how the people of Canada offered us the comfort and friendship and extraordinary assistance that day and in the following days, by opening their airports, homes and hearts to us.”
In the letter, dated Thursday, the US president pays special tribute to the city of Gander in Newfoundland, which only has a population of 9,600 – but took in about 6,600 air passengers diverted when US airspace was shut down.
“As airspace over our two countries was shut down, hundreds of flights en route to the United States were landed safely by Canadian air traffic control in seventeen Canadian airports from coast to coast,” Obama wrote.
“For the next 3 days – before our airspace was reopened – those displaced passengers were treated like family in Canadian homes, receiving food, shelter, medical attention, and comfort.”
Harper is due to speak in New York on Sunday at a ceremony honoring the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
