The man who saved US Airways Flight 1549 got a hero’s homecoming Saturday.

It’s been a little more than a week since pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger guided the passenger jet into the Hudson River after a suspected bird strike cut off power to both engines just 90 seconds after takeoff.

Sullenberger’s quick thinking, combined with his calm under pressure, allowed 150 souls to walk away from what could have been a tragic flight.

Saturday afternoon, he received a much deserved hero’s welcome by those that know him best in his hometown of Danville, California.

The ceremony marked the first public appearance for Sullenberger since the emergency landing that has made him a national hero.

Amid chants of “Sully, Sully,” Sullenberger made his first public remarks about that fateful day.

“Circumstance determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight, on that particular day,” Sullenberger said. “I know I speak for the entire crew when I tell you – we were simply doing the jobs that we were trained to do. Thank you.”

Many are still marveling at Sullenberger’s actions – not just the improbable water landing, but the way he twice walked the length of the cabin of the sinking plane to make sure everyone got out. All 155 passengers and crew members survived.

Sullenberger kept a low profile as an invited guest at President Obama’s inauguration earlier in the week.

There had been early talk of parades from New York City all the way to Danville, but in Sully’s typical modest fashion, he waved all of that off as too much ado.

(Source: WCBSTV)