A Tribute to 25 Years Since 9/11

By Debbie Hall

It's been 25 years since September 11, 2001—a day no one saw coming and one that changed America forever. If you were a teenager or adult on that morning, you probably remember it all: the confusion, the panic, the heartbreak. The whole country reeled, trying to make sense of something unimaginable.

But even then, in all that darkness, people showed up for each other in ways that inspire hope and remind us of our capacity for kindness. Marking this anniversary isn't just about grieving the lives we lost—it's also about remembering all the quiet heroism and compassion that surfaced when everything felt lost. One story always stands out, and it didn't happen in New York or D.C. or Pennsylvania, but in Gander, Newfoundland, of all places.

After the attacks, with U.S. airspace closed, 38 planes showed up out of nowhere, carrying nearly 7,000 people, and suddenly this tiny Canadian town of just 9,000 had almost doubled in size. You'd think they'd panic, but that's not what happened at all. Folks just opened their doors—homes, schools, churches—and got to work. They cooked up meals, handed out clothes, filled prescriptions, anything to help these scared, stranded passengers breathe a little easier.

Somehow, out of all that chaos, something good took root. Gander stepped up and reminded everyone just how far a little compassion can go, even in the worst of times. 

Now, to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of this tragic event, Everybody Sings Productions and Super Summer Theatre bring Come From Away, book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.

Now, as the world marks 25 years since 9/11, the story takes on an even deeper meaning.

Come From Away does not attempt to minimize the tragedy of September 11. Instead, it reminds audiences that even after unimaginable loss, people can choose to help one another. It is a story about strangers becoming friends, communities coming together and humanity finding a way forward.

The musical follows the passengers stranded in Gander and the residents who welcomed them. Their experiences range from humorous and heartwarming to deeply emotional, offering a perspective on 9/11 that reaches beyond the headlines and statistics.

For audiences today, particularly those too young to remember the events of 2001 or not yet born, Come From Away offers an opportunity to understand another part of the story.

It is easy to remember 9/11 through images of destruction—the collapsing towers, the smoke, the emergency responders and the endless news coverage. Those images are an essential part of the historical record, but they are not the entire story.

There was also generosity.

There was courage.

There was empathy.

People who had never met before sat beside one another, sharing food, exchanging stories, and offering comfort. Communities stepped forward simply because people needed help.

That is the legacy Come From Away brings to the stage.

As the 25th anniversary approaches, remembering 9/11 means remembering the lives that were taken and the families, friends and communities forever changed by the attacks. It also means remembering the first responders, military personnel, volunteers and ordinary citizens who demonstrated extraordinary courage.

And perhaps most importantly, it means remembering that compassion truly matters and can make a difference in our lives and communities.

Twenty-five years later, the world remains complicated. Division, uncertainty and fear continue to make headlines. But the story of Gander reminds us that resilience and kindness are powerful forces. A meal, a bed, a conversation, or simply an open door can make an enormous difference when someone is experiencing the unimaginable.

That message makes Come From Away more than a musical about a moment in history. It reminds us who we can be when circumstances demand that we look beyond ourselves.

As audiences gather to experience the story, they are invited to laugh, cry, remember and reflect. They are reminded that history is not only defined by tragedy, but also by the choices people make in response to it.

Twenty-five years after 9/11, we remember those we lost.

We remember those who survived.

We remember those who ran toward danger while others ran away.

And we remember the people of Gander, who showed the world that in the face of fear and uncertainty, there is always room for kindness.

Twenty-five years later, that may be one of the most important stories of all.

Come From Away 

When: Wednesday through Saturday, Sept. 9-12 and Sept. 16-19

Where: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, 6375 NV-159, Blue Diamond

Tickets (including fees)/website: GA $28, VIP Blanket for two $182, VIP Blanket for four $360. Plus a $10 entry fee to the State Park.

Visit supersummertheatre.org