On Sept. 11, 2001, time stood still for a moment before the world was changed forever. And then heroes sprang into action to help those affected by the terror attacks. One small town in Newfoundland became famous for its hospitality that day.
The Broadway musical “Come From Away” was inspired by this true story of a tiny town that took in nearly 7,000 stranded passengers. City Lights host Lois Reitzes spoke with Beverley Bass, the American Airlines pilot who landed one of the 38 planes diverted to Newfoundland. She also spoke with Bass’ acting counterpart in “Come From Away” is played by Becky Gulsvig.
Bass was the first female captain and third female pilot to ever fly for American Airlines. Right after the second plane hit the Twin Towers, Bass was alerted to land her plane immediately in Gander, Newfoundland. The town, which had a total population of 11,000 people, was the closest point between Europe and the United States.
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