Flight 1549: An Emotional Reunion

The Crew Of US Airways Flight 1549 Meet Some Of The Survivors They Saved

(CBS)  This story was first published on Feb. 8, 2009. It was updated on July 4, 2009.

There are 150 people who might not be alive today if it weren't for Captain Sullenberger and his crew. 60 Minutes invited some of the passengers to reunite with them in Charlotte, N.C., the city that was supposed to be the final destination for US Airways flight 1549.

---

When the crew walked into a hotel ballroom in Charlotte, survivors and some of their relatives gave them a good round of applause.

"Thank you for saving my life," one woman told Capt. Sullenberger.

"You just did an incredible job," a man said. "Really. Really. Really proud."

"Thank you so much for bringing my husband home to me," a woman told the captain.

At the event, Sullenberger and the crew made the rounds, meeting grateful people, some of whom even had specially made T-shirts. One man's shirt read: "SULLY is my co-pilot," which the captain signed.

"More than one woman came up to me and said, 'Thank you for not making me a widow. Thank you for allowing my three-year-old son to have a father,'" Sullenberger told Katie Couric.

"One man had told me that you know, I was looking at him. He was in first class, and he seemed to be very anxious. And I just told him, just, you know, 'Be calm, and you know, just try to breathe,'" flight attendant Sheila Dail remembered.

"I can't tell you how frightened I was when we were coming down and I was just thinking this person is looking at me and she’s telling me everything is going to be fine. Thank you again," that very passenger told Dail at the Charlotte reunion.

"He showed me a picture of himself with his niece, and the niece was a child of his brother, who was killed in 9/11," Dail said.

"And he told me, he didn't think that his family could take losing a second son," Sullenberger added.

"My brother was a firefighter killed at the Trade Center," the passenger told Sullenberger. "And the whole way down I'm thinking my family's not gonna survive this. I've gotta get off this airplane. I can't believe that everyone walked off that airplane. It's a miracle. And I really thank you."

"You know, 155 is a number, but when you can faces to it and not just 155 faces but the other faces, the wives, the daughters, the sons, the fathers, the mothers, the brothers," Sullenberger told Couric.

"I simply wanted to thank all of you for coming. I think today was as much and as good for me and my crew as it was for you. We will be joined forever because of the events of January 15th, in our hearts and in our minds. Goodbye," Sullenberger told the crowd at the reunion.

The Reunion:

[jaoflaherty]

Thanks CBS for your attention to and presentation of this great inspirational storey.

Sincerely, J A O'Flaherty

[wb3gxw]

A truly outstanding story. Capt. Sullenberger is one on the most qualified Pilots in the world. I just read his Bio. The interview by Katie Curic was excellent. Thanks CBS.
John Creel

[mtica1]

Absolutely inspirational and fascinating what thoughts occur in crisis. Loved the guy with the photo of his neice...having lost a brother you always live differently for fear of causing anyone else you love that much pain. The hope is the grace that evolved from fear and grew into this wonderful embrace from the world.

[gwen1959]

By the way, was wondering if there was any agency handling mail for this incredible story; these wonderful people. Would certainly like to send these courageous people our kudos and good wishes.

[gwen1959]

Living in the shadow of Dover AFB for 30 years I know how dreadful birdstrikes can be; pilots really need to know their stuff to avert disaster. In an age where people are discouraged with the government, unemployment etc, its nice to know there are still heroes out there to help restore faith in the human race. The story on 60 Minutes last night brought tears to my eyes. These people will be national heroes forever. To God be the Glory!

[dirk1228]

One of the "best" news stories ever...and well orchestrated by Katie--to the point, sincere; she let this incredible story and it''s participants tell it without the over dramatization often seen. Sully''s honesty and final summation were piercing; as close to spiritual as it gets. Thanks CBS.

[jdwafford]

God Gave this Sully His Wings. He will be an Angel Forever.

Gob Bless him and his Crew.

[dmartin804]

Loved the story. Great enough to call the kids to the TV. Do we really need an explicit Viagra commercial at this hour?

[jbmaike]

This story is really too good to be true. I am so thankful for all the survivors including the crew members. All I could think of is that every thing happened in flight 1549 was by the WILL of God who picked up the right pilot, right location, right passengers (who acted calmly and bravely) and crew members and perfect location of landing --- two ferry terminals. The weather was supposed to be below zero that day, but miraculously, the temperature was changed back to upper 20s. Every thing worked out miraculously. Loved the interview and loved to see all the survivors. Great job!!! God bless every one!

[lpsportsgirl]

After watching the 60 min session about flight 1549 I became so inspired to write Captain Sullenberger on how much of a hero he is to me. I am just astonished that a miracle could happen like this and I am blessed to know that all 155 members on that flight are OK!!! Truely Amazing!!! I was wondering if there was any way i could get ahold of Captain Sullenberger''s address so i can write to him! Thank you for a great interview, the tonight was one of the best i have seen in awhile. GREAT JOB :]]

[leggs17]

Im standing at home watching 60 min about flight 1549
bawling my eyes out, not because Im sad, because of this pilot with such a good heart.It is so wonderful for something good in this world like this to happen.
Thank you for a wonderful interview
Sincerly Catherine