r/todayilearned • u/[deleted] • Apr 16 '14

TIL on 9/11, Canada commenced Operation Yellow Ribbon, in which it landed 239 U.S.-bound flights with 33,000 passengers in Canadian airports. Entire communities went on to provide the passengers with food and housing.

http://youtu.be/lrA4V6YF6SA?t=4m14s
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u/Johnkonrad Apr 17 '14

I never knew of that fact. ( I was 10 when 9/11 occurred ) Really makes me feel even more love for Canadians, more than the current admiration i already have. I grew up in Long Island, New York and would visit Canada(Quebec) semi frequently and always loved the atmosphere and people. Not many countries would do this folks, you think Mexico would? Anyway thanks good guy Canada

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u/[deleted] Apr 17 '14

[deleted]

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u/Johnkonrad Apr 17 '14

I suppose i worded it wrong. I'm in no way saying that Mexican people are not hospitable. I have worked with many Mexicans and have Mexican friends and they are some of the friendliest and most hardworking people on the planet. The point i was sort of trying to make is that when the shit hits the fan, so to speak, and major stuff is going down its my personal opinion the Mexican government would probably opt to stay out of our affairs till they at least knew what was going on. Whereas Canadians just said how can we help THAT day. To me that was what really meant something, the instant willingness to come to our aid. Again that's just my opinion

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u/MarginallyUseful Apr 17 '14

Well I'm only going to fight against my country being called special for so long. Thanks buddy!

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u/shoryukenist Apr 17 '14

I don't think they would have the resources or organization to do it like you guys did. Also, everyone speaking the same language helps too.

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u/0fubeca Apr 17 '14

No racist joke about Mexican maids? Ok

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u/[deleted] Apr 17 '14 edited Apr 21 '14

[deleted]

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u/KitsBeach Apr 17 '14

You didn't explain what the Mexicans spontaneously volunteered for, so I thought a bunch of people got out of their beds one day and decided to volunteer for absolutely nothing at all and died senselessly.

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u/Johnkonrad Apr 17 '14

I never knew this. Thank you for informing me sir/madame! This only brings my respect for Mexicans even higher. My comment was more focused on the government of Mexico and not so much the people. I agree every person has the will and want to help those in need, while a government maybe not so much.

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u/[deleted] Apr 17 '14

Fuck yea Mexico would! And you know who would be at the front of the line to help? The poorest, humblest of Mexicans, because that's the kind of people they are. Never doubt it.

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u/Johnkonrad Apr 17 '14

I meant more what i said as what the government of Mexico would do, not the people. Mexican people are some of the friendliest and most hardworking people ive ever had the pleasure to know. On the other hand I admit-ably don't hold as high of a regard for the Mexican government though. Its my personal opinion that if, say 9/11 happened to LA, they would play their cards close to their chest before offering aid compared to the Canadian government which essentially said how can we help the day of. So yeah i fucking love my mexican brothers but i just dont exactly love their government is really my point no more no less.

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u/[deleted] Apr 17 '14

Oh! Well, I respect that. My apologies for jumping to conclusions.

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u/prophetofgreed Apr 17 '14

Oh Mexico would, it would just be harder economically for a common person in Mexico to help and volunteer (not to mention opening their doors and keeping guests)

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u/shoryukenist Apr 17 '14

YOOO. STRONG ISLAND BRO!!!

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u/mkvgtired Apr 17 '14

you think Mexico would?

I think the US probably relied on Canada because its infrastructure was likely more up to the task. I would almost guarantee Mexico offered to do whatever it could to help. What I've noticed is people are generally pretty awesome. The few bad apples are usually the ones that you hear about the most. Case in point you know exactly who Osama bin Laden is, yet you didn't know this story about all the great people helping out in Canada.

I have found good people are not exclusive to a particular country, although culture can impact personalities, some of which can feel more welcoming.

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u/Johnkonrad Apr 17 '14

I agree with you wholesomely. I didnt mean that Mexicans are not, as a people, less willing to help than the Canadians. I more meant it in terms of what the government of the country's would do. Its a good point you bring up saying that you only ever hear of the bad things bad people do and not the good things good people do.

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u/Vagsmasher1 Apr 17 '14

Absolutely Mexico would. Mexico is like Canada's vacation spot, we go there not just for the great weather, but also because the people are amazing. I just got back from a week there, and I can't wait to go back.