[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1942]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   GRATITUDE TO THE PEOPLE OF CANADA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2001

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in an expression of 
gratitude to the people of Canada, and the people of Newfoundland in 
particular, for the invaluable support they offered our citizens 
shortly after the September 11th terrorist attacks. As a sign of 
appreciation, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all 
Canadians for their warm, heartfelt actions during that time of crisis.
  Canada stood firmly by our side in dealing with the immediate 
consequences of the terrorist strikes. When all U.S. air space had to 
be cleared, hundreds of flights were diverted to Canadian airports, 
mainly in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. During the following days, the 
Canadian government and local authorities did everything in their power 
to help the thousands of travelers that were unable to return to their 
homes. Furthermore, demonstrating their solidarity to the American 
people, many ordinary citizens showed up at the airports and 
volunteered to give shelter to the confused travelers.
  I recently received a letter from a constituent who was one of those 
travelers. Michael Rollins of Safety Harbor, Florida, felt the need to 
utter his sincerest and deepest thanks to a community of people who 
have forever touched the lives of thousands of U.S.-bound air travelers 
stranded in Canada.
  After de-boarding the plane in St. John, Newfoundland, Mr. Rollins 
and all other passengers and crew found instant assistance and 
accommodations from the local population. These caring individuals 
opened their homes and hearts. Total strangers provided groceries, 
clothes, towels, sheets and countless other items in a selfless display 
of love and compassion. St. John's Citadel Corps took care of more than 
300 people for over five days. The same outpouring of warmth and 
comfort took place in the town of Gander, where other flights were 
rerouted. There too, passengers experienced the benevolence of 
strangers, and the nurturing and loving capacity of the human heart.
  The altruism, compassion and generosity of Newfoundland's residents 
did not go unnoticed. These sentiments show how much we share with the 
people of Canada, how many basic human values we both hold dear. As 
America moves forward, determined to protect our freedom and our way of 
life from any terrorist threat, we feel proud to have Canadians as 
neighbors, and more importantly, as friends.

                          ____________________