DANVILLE, Calif. — Thousands of people holding signs and waving American flags cheered wildly Saturday to honor the pilot who safely landed a US Airways jetliner in the Hudson River. He told them he and his crew were only doing their jobs.
Chesley Sullenberger was given a hero’s homecoming, complete with a marching band, in Danville, the San Francisco suburb where he and his family live.
Sullenberger said he was grateful for the outpouring of support since the Jan. 15 emergency landing, and that he and his crew were only doing their jobs.
“Circumstance determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight on that particular day,” he told the crowd.
“But I know I can speak for the entire crew when I tell you we were simply doing the job we were trained to do.”
Sullenberger’s brief comments were his first since he brought Flight 1549 to an emergency river landing in New York City. All 155 people on board survived.
The pilot’s wife, Lorraine Sullenberger, said through tears that she was amazed at the warm treatment the family has received. She said she was not surprised by her husband’s heroism.
“I have always known him to be an exemplary pilot. I knew what the outcome would be that day because I knew my husband,” she said. “But mostly for me, he’s the man that makes my cup of tea every morning.”
Sullenberger, a modest man, had asked town officials to keep the event low key.
“He is a very private individual, and he is very self-effacing,” said Greg Gilbert, the town’s emergency services coordinator. “He recognizes that not only his actions but the actions of his crew and flight attendants helped save lives.”
After the evacuation, Sullenberger twice walked the sinking plane’s watery aisle to make sure no one had been left behind. Once on shore, the consummate professional spoke with police, his navy blue suit barely wrinkled and his tie not even loosened.
In keeping with his wishes, the outdoor celebration was scheduled to last a mere hour, punctuated by proclamations and expressions of gratitude from elected officials. A retired pilot buzzed his P-51 Mustang over the crowd.
Sullenberger, who turned 58 on Friday, has lived in Danville for 13 years with his wife, a fitness expert, and daughters, Katie and Kelly.
Around 3,000 people gathered under drizzly skies in the town square as Sullenberger was given a key to the city and named an honorary Danville police officer.
Jim and Jane Foreman, of nearby Alamo, came to the event with their daughter and grandchildren.
“He’s America’s hero,” said Jim Foreman. “This doesn’t happen all the time, it’s very unique. We’re just so proud of him.”
Sullenberger will give his first media interview to Katie Couric on CBS’ “60 Minutes.” The episode is expected to air Feb. 8.
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