This past Saturday, the Town of Danville welcomed home Captain C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger for the first time since that heroic day when this courageous and talented pilot performed a “near miracle’, making a perfect landing in New York’s Hudson River that saved 155 lives.
My town rolled out the red carpet for Sullenberger, his family, and the several thousand guests who packed the town green. With the usual flourishes about to begin, I stood with my 11-year old son, an aviator-to-be someday, whose father, grandfather, and two uncles are pilots. In a family like this, you learn a lot more about the pinpoint precision, steady hand, and clear mind required with all flights – this one being nothing less than remarkable.
As Springsteen’s “Local Hero” passed through my head, the ceremony began. I thought about what “Sully” would say, how he would say it, and what the crowd’s reaction might be. I thought about when Cal Ripken broke Lou Gehrig’s Iron Man record appearing in the most consecutive games (then 2,130) in Major League Baseball history.
Ripken, always a humble superstar, said when he broke the record that he was just doing his job and showed up every day. Somehow, I knew “Sully” would say something similar in probably the first remarks not muzzled from the public.
Then the Captain spoke.
"We were simply doing the jobs we were trained to do", he said.
Words spoken exactly the way I imagined from a humble guy, our local hero.
Congressman Jerry McNerney presented a bipartisan resolution from the U.S. House of Representatives. The crowd got a chuckle out of the word “bipartisan” – those near me stating that it might be the last time we hear that in California.
Police Chief Wentzel and new Fire Chief Price presented commendations. “Sully” got the key to the Town of Danville – only the second hometown hero to have achieved such an honor. I’m quite sure that Mayor Arnerich won’t be able to stop smiling for at least another year.
But the real emotion came when “Sully’s wife, Lorrie, came to the microphone. Through Lorrie’s tears of joy came a heart full of love for her community, love for “the man who makes my cup of tea each morning”, and a story about marrying a man whom she knew was the most honorable man she had ever met. Lorrie said that when she heard the plane was in trouble, she knew the outcome before the news even reported it – words of devoted wife who knows her husband’s character and abilities inside and out.
The quiet, steady hand of Captain Sullenberger saved 155 lives on January 15th. At the time of this writing, he has 510,692 fans on Facebook. But, on January 14th, “Sully” was just a small town guy – someone who adores his family, loves his community, and never expected to have 15 minutes of fame – much less worldwide admiration.
It’s important to reflect in these harsh economic times on the “Sully’s” in your life. They are everywhere. Today he was in Danville, California. Tomorrow, he or she might be that commercial real estate owner who forgives you a month’s rent when your business is in trouble, a police officer or firefighter who inspires by saving your pet or your home, a returning veteran who fought for our freedom, a teacher or guidance counselor who helps a child live their dream, or a neighbor who puts your newspaper on the front stoop so you don’t have to go out in the rain.
Yes, Captain Sullenberger is a remarkable man. But two weeks ago, he was the same friendly neighbor, devoted husband, business associate and loyal friend who helped you – just because.
In these harsh economic times, let’s remember to thank the everyday “Sully”. Someday, you may be his hero.