DANVILLE, California - Hundreds of people holding signs and waving American flags cheered wildly as the US Airways pilot who safely landed a jetliner in the Hudson River was honoured Saturday.
He told them he and his crew were only doing their jobs.
Pilot Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger was given a hero's homecoming in Danville, the East San Francisco Bay town where he and his family live.
Sullenberger said he was grateful for the outpouring of support since the Jan. 15 emergency landing.
"Circumstance determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight on that particular day," he said in brief remarks to 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."
Around 3,000 people gathered under drizzly skies in the town square to welcome Sullenberger home.
The lawn was festooned with American flags and a marching band played patriotic music.
Some people held signs including, "Way to Go" and "Sully, Danville's hero."
Sullenberger's brief comments were his first since he brought Flight 1549 to an emergency river landing in New York City. After quick response from rescue crews, all 155 people aboard the passenger jet made it out alive.
Since Sullenberger was identified as the pilot, his home here has been inundated with well wishers and reporters seeking an interview.
The pilot's wife, Lorraine Sullenberger, said through tears that she was amazed at the warm treatment the family has received.
She said she wasn't 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 was given a key to the city and named an honorary Danville police officer.
Sullenberger's first full comments are expected to come in an interview with Katie Couric, which is scheduled to be shown Feb. 8 on the CBS show "60 Minutes."
