"Sully" Sullenberger's welcome home in Danville, CA

TMaita

Location: I know I'm out here somewhere, California, USA
Birthday: May 26

Title: Psychotherapist

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Editor’s Pick

JANUARY 25, 2009 4:43PM

Rate: 3 Flag

When the US Airways flight that was piloted by Sully Sullenberger and crew glided onto the Hudson River, it was a day of renewed hope for a country starved for good news. As a nation, we have been psychologically deprived of a sense of competence, and for a feeling that good things can happen, that maybe things can turn around---maybe we all can be saved from certain death. At least these were the emotions that welled up inside of me as I watched the story unfold on cable news.

I usually don't attend parades and huge public celebrations (partly due to the fact that I hate large crowds) , but today my husband and I decided to go to Danville to help welcome Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger home. We live in Walnut Creek---just a few miles from Danville, so it was simply a matter of getting in the car and driving the 6 miles to the Danville Town Green.

Attending this event wasn't just a matter of pride for a local boy who is now the "Hudson Hero", this felt like an opportunity to be a part of something big. People standing around us were beaming and excited. It felt like a continuation of the excitement that everyone felt about Obama's inauguration. It felt as though this was an inauguration of a new age of hopefulness in the country---it was certainly the inauguration of an American hero.

It was an event filled with patriotism to be sure. Local veterans and military were in attendance, and after the national anthem had been dramatically performed by a local 17-year-old high school student (a lovely young woman), there was an exciting flyover of a B51, in honor of Sully's service in the Air Force.

We arrived about 2 hours early, as I was determined to be near the front of the stands. There were about 100 people standing about when we first arrived.

I was fascinated by the news media trucks, and all of the cameras lined up to cover this event. CNN, Fox, NBC, and many local stations had set up shop and were conducting interviews with some of the people standing around.

About an hour and a half after we arrived, there was a sea of people standing behind us, some waving the American flag, waiting for Sully and the local dignitaries that would honor him.

And there were the color guard from Travis AFB, lending a patriotic moment to the day.

And there was the marching band from San Ramon Valley High School.

He was presented with "Old Glory" by Congressman Jerry McNerney, an American flag that had been raised over our nations Capital.

And he was presented with a medal of valor by Danville's Fire Chief.

He was presented with a genuine police badge by Danville's Chief of Police, and made an honorary police officer. policechief

After all of the honor's were bestowed, Sully's wife Lorrie made a touching and tearful speech, calling Sully "the most honorable man" that she had ever known.

(Obviously NOT a photo of Lorrie making her speech)

Lorrie introduced Sully as the country watched on, and the crowd began chanting "Sully, Sully, Sully"

And he was poised, humble and egoless as he spoke these few words:

"It was circumstances that put this experienced crew (in charge) of that plane on that particular day, we were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do."

It was a graceful encounter with a grateful crowd.

Captain Sullenberger is what he seems to be---a humble man, devoted to his family and friends. An extraordinary aviator, who on that day faced the greatest challenge of his career, and the odds were with him on that day.

He really doesn't see himself as a hero, and his self-effacing style makes him that much more the hero in my eyes.

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sully sullenberger, plane crash, hero

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Comments

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Nice job of reporting. I was moved to hear what Sully's wife said. Would that we were all so honorably and lovingly wed and able to honor our beloveds.

Thanks for doing this. It's wonderful!

rated

Dr. Susanne Freeborn

January 25, 2009 05:05 PM

He seems like such a gentle man. Thanks for bringing us there.

Brie aka Barbara K

January 25, 2009 08:23 PM

This is moving story. And your showing up was more than just getting in the car and driving a few miles. You and a lot of other people made the effort to show honor to this wonderful man, whom we would all like to fly with every time we get on a plane. And thank you for writing the story to share with the rest of us, who couldn't or didn't show up in person.

DyDy

January 25, 2009 08:56 PM

"As a nation, we have been psychologically deprived of a sense of competence, and for a feeling that good things can happen, that maybe things can turn around . . ."

I hadn't thought about this aspect of it. I had only considered the impact locally and the seemingly endless catalogue of aviation disasters New York City has had to deal with in the last few years. But you're right. If Americans want to look for an example of competence and high industry standards, they need look no further than the aviation industry. Captain Sullenberger is "the man."

Jack Wheelright

January 26, 2009 01:51 PM

I tip my hat to Sully and to you, Toni, for bringing this out. I'd like to see more real American heroes rather than Rappers and athletes. I hate to be watching a sporting event and have the announcer tell me how brave or heroic an athlete is for playing with a broken finger. or whatever. Areal hero flies a plane into the Hudson and all survive or rushes into a burning building to save a child.

Michael Rodgers

January 26, 2009 07:02 PM

Thanks for the "local feel" posting. I totally agree with what you so eloquently stated at the start: This act, these acts, by this man and his crew, represent more than just heroism. In fact, if it were truly heroism, it would evoke a different response. It's the supreme result of acts performed competently. Indeed!

His humility and grace do not detract from the fact that all along, and before this event, Sully has made it his duty and vocation to pursue excellence, to be prepared for any eventuality.