U.S. ambassador expected in Gander for 9/11 memorial

Gander expects the United States ambassador to Canada will be a special guest for the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. that diverted thousands of airplane passengers to the central Newfoundland community.

Mayor Claude Elliott said David Jacobson has accepted the town's invitation, although a spokesperson for the embassy in Ottawa said it's too early to confirm the ambassador's fall schedule.

Thirty-nine airliners carrying 6,500 passengers were diverted to Gander when North American airspace was shut down following terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

The town is planning special events to mark the tenth anniversary of the tragedy.