I mention in that chapter that I make it a priority to meet and hear speeches by notable people of “my” era: Neil Armstrong, Chuck Yeager, Cal Ripken, Jr., more astronauts and history-makers. I failed, however, to find and describe the formula–character? training? bravery? luck?–that set apart these people and their accomplishments.
A film called “Sully” is about to be released. It chronicles the events and aftermath of airline Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s 2009 heroic landing of a powerless airliner in New York’s Hudson River. He had just 208 seconds from the time his aircraft’s engines were disabled to make a successful splashdown in the river. Returning to the airport was not an option. Actor Tom Hanks plays Sully in the upcoming movie.
Here is what Hanks had to say about Sully and others like him who are able to soar while the rest of us might be soiling our underwear. He expresses nicely the thing I admire but could not define. JG
