Former Gander Mayor Claude Elliott to Speak at Southern Illinois Airport
Date/Time
Date(s) - 10/22/2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
Hangar 1 Event Center
Categories
WHAT: The Southern Illinois Airport Authority will host When the World Landed in Gander:
A Conversation with Claude Elliott. Elliott, former mayor of Gander, Newfoundland,
will share his firsthand perspective on the community’s response when
transatlantic aircraft were diverted to Gander following the September 11 attacks
as part of Operation Yellow Ribbon.
The program commemorates 25 years since September 11, 2001, and will examine
aviation emergency response, community coordination, leadership and
compassion. It will include a moderated conversation, audience questions and a
musical performance by Abby Zirkelbach, a member of SIU’s production of Come
From Away, the Broadway musical inspired by Gander’s story.
WHEN: Thursday, October 22, 2026
Doors open at 4:00 p.m. | Program from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE: Hangar 1 Event Center
Southern Illinois Airport
634 N. Airport Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966
MEDIA ACCESS: Media representatives are welcome to cover the program. Please contact Alyssa
Connell in advance to reserve media seating or coordinate equipment setup.
Interview requests are subject to availability and should be arranged before the
event.
VISUALS: Claude Elliott in conversation inside an aircraft hangar; a live musical
performance; and an audience representing the aviation, first responder, university
and Southern Illinois communities.
BACKGROUNDER: After United States airspace closed on September 11, 2001, transatlantic
flights were diverted to airports in Canada through Operation Yellow Ribbon.
Gander and surrounding Newfoundland communities mobilized to shelter and care
for thousands of stranded travelers. Their response later inspired Come From
Away.