Passengers, Crew, And Rescuers Reunite To Celebrate And Give Thanks

To mark the one year anniversary of the ditching of US Airways flight 1549, 90 of the 155 passengers and crew returned to the middle of the Hudson for a toast.  The boat they took out into the water was one of the same NY Waterway ferries that rescued the survivors from the freezing waters.

Photo Credit: Gegory Lam

In addition to passengers and crew, including Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and FO Jeffrey Skiles, many people involved in the rescue operations came to the celebration.  ATC controllers that tracked the flight, workers at the NY Waterway terminal, and Red Cross relief workers were all on-hand to relive the amazingly successful ditching.

Even the birds were there, in spirit; Grey Goose vodka donated several bottles to commemorate the flock Canadian geese that caused the double-engine failure the A320.  The liquor was used in a toast on the river at exactly 3:31pm, the time the plane hit the water.  The ceremony took place at the exact location where the plane splashed down. 

file photo of geese

At a breakfast earlier in the day, NY Mayor Michael Bloomberg uttered the phrase "miracle on the Hudson" before correcting himself. "I'm not sure if it was a miracle. Chalk it up to a skilled set of people who trained for the worst. They show that training really makes a difference."

As a thank you to the Red Cross for their support, Skiles donated $5,000 in the name of the victims of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Buffalo last February.  Bank of America gave over $20,000 to the Red Cross for the 20 employees they had traveling together on the flight.

The group spent the rest of the day was trading stories, taking pictures, reconnecting with air workers or other survivors, and reflecting on the events of January 15, 2009.

Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger

Sullenberger said: "It's given many of us second chances to reconnect with our families, loved ones, reexamine our lives...and it's great to get so many Christmas cards!"

FMI: www.usairways.com