Anderson finishes the sentence. “That was probably the most intense time, when 780 people collectively are seeing this for the first time. There was shock, there was crying, and it didn’t matter what nationality you were, people were just losing it. This is when it really hit us that this was real, it was very real, and we were stranded far away from home in this army camp with people we didn’t even know.”

“Everyone pick a bunk.”

They were directed to register with the Red Cross on site, providing name, flight number, next of kin, what barracks they were staying in… Next, a meal at the camp mess hall, and then an attempt to get some sleep. Access to luggage was denied for security reasons, a policy continued until their departure.

They had only what had been carried on the plane. Showers were available in a communal shower room affording no privacy, but there were no complaints about this or anything else.

“Physically, this wasn’t a hardship. We were really lucky, actually. From what we heard, some of the earlier groups had it much tougher, forced to bunk in gyms and exhibition halls, where they had nothing, not even a good place to wash up,” Anderson explains. “We also heard that those who landed in Newfoundland were stranded on their planes for days – there was simply no place else for them to go. So in comparison, we really lucked out.”

The harder part was emotional - fitful sleep, a general unsettling manifested with a “where in the heck am I?” feeling upon awakening, a sense of dread over being left behind.

The mess hall provided “three squares” a day for 800 stranded passengers and countless relief workers and reservists.

Both the Red Cross and Canadian reservists on site were tireless in trying to meet the emotional and physical needs of their guests. Food was plentiful, soccer games were organized, and even a day care and lending library was set up. Worship services were conducted for -a variety of different faiths.

“The Canadian reservists were amazing,” Anderson adds. “They were gentle in their approach and language, making everyone feel safe and secure. They’d stop by and talk with you, asking if you were all right, and they would do everything possible to get you the information you wanted, even tracking you down with an answer in the midst of all these people.”

Sometimes not much to do but sit, wait for information, talk and read the paper.

A routine of sorts settled over the camp, with time divided between meals and information checks with staff members, inquiries about when they might hope to fly home. Some stared at television for hours, others napped and still others formed friendly groups that would talk and travel to town together. Seid and Anderson found themselves part of a spirited group comprised of English, Irish and German folks with whom they shared conversation for hours, and taking trips into town. Cabs were available, and the Kentville Fire Department graciously used spare vehicles to take groups anywhere they wanted to go.

Essentials like clean socks and underwear could be purchased at the local mall, along with about any other necessities and comforts desired.

A member of the group had been forced to miss his scheduled wedding in the U.S., so to console him, he was taken by his new mates to a local bar, who ensured he was able to forget his troubles. “- He missed his own wedding so it was only appropriate,” Anderson explains.