Humality and Heroism

I have the good fortune of working in a department that allows me to work from home (WFH) one day a week. I usually WFH on Wednesday but a scheduling conflict had me WHF on Thursday, I feel fortunate because this allowed me to have the radio and the TV on and watch the events surrounding the crash of US Airways Flight 1549 unfold as I worked.

A terrible tragedy was averted that day but I want to say. Wow Americans are awesome! From the pilots and rescuers to the passengers who had done nothing wrong but be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Not to neglect Gods merciful had but watching and then hearing personal accounts afterward all involved truly showed the stuff the good citizens of this wonderful country are made of.

I realize we may not always agree on politics, theology and so on but when it comes to human life and tragedy we come together and we become stronger and demonstrate our immense capacity for humanity and compassion.

When the engines were taken out on that airliner did the pilot give up, no obviously not demonstrated in the fact the the plane is mostly intact and not one passenger was lost. But his efforts to save these lives did not start the moment the engines were lost it began decades before when he began training to become the best pilot he could be. All his training and preparation made sure he was able to keep his head and and do everything right not by luck but by talent and preparation. He is rightfully a hero in my eyes.

Then when the plane hit the water it did not take a moment before the nearby ferries converged on the scene to help. These ferries likely had busy people on them on there way to appointments an such but at that moment all was forgotten and everybodys selfless efforts were focused on saving lives. From civilians to sworn professional rescue personnel these are also examples of how awesome Americans are.

As can be expected there was some chaos, confusion screaming and praying but once the plane settled in to the water passengers quickly started to calm and those who gained there composure helped to calm others. Then and effort to quickly and safely get every one out in an organised safe manner ensuring no one was left behind. Then the pilot made several more sweeps of the passenger compartment to ensure everyone had evacuated. Yes there were injuries both physical and mental but they are all alive to recover because by working to gather everyone was eventual rescued.

At times I get concerned that this is no longer Gods country but on that day it truly was.