In today’s Family Minute I talked about the fact that heroes are made, not born. I mentioned that ordinary people who are governed by hard work and a passion for excellence can often be known for doing some really extraordinary things.
Before January 15, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger was known as just another ordinary airline pilot. Now, since he successfully landed his disabled aircraft on the Hudson River, making sure that all passengers and crew members safely escaped, he is a household name and has proven himself to be an extraordinary airline pilot. But as I mentioned in the Family Minute, there’s more to this story.
Left in the cargo hold of flight 1549 was a book that Captain Sullenberger had checked out from his local library. Obviously he was not going to meet the deadline for its return. The librarians said that the Captain called and asked for an extension and waiver of overdue fees. The librarian said they were struck by Sullenberger’s sense of responsibility and did him one better: They’re waiving all late, and lost book fees, and placing a template in the replacement book honoring the Captain and dedicating it to him.
The title of the lost book? Professional Ethics. When chaos ensued, his plane’s passengers and crew were blessed to be in the hands of an extraordinary man of character.
Watch his interview with 60 Minutes below as he recounts the events of Flignt 1549.
