In spite of the threat of rain, thousands showed up in the hometown of pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger to give him a hero’s welcome home yesterday at 1:00 p.m. on the Town Green.

Captain Sullenberger and his family were honored by the Danville Mayor and the Danville Town Council. Mayor Americh had this to say:

“Captain Sully did something extraordinary and unprecedented on January 15, 2009. I can think of at least one hundred and fifty-five reasons why our town should join together to celebrate our neighbor and friend, and his family.”

Sullenberger, 57, was the pilot of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 who made the split-second decision to ditch the plane in the Hudson River after both engines failed. As a result, all 155 lives aboard the jetliner were saved.

Sullenberger, a humble man, refused to take all the crdit. He modestly told the crowd:

“Circumstance determined that it was this experienced crew that was scheduled to fly that particular flight on that particular day, 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.”

Chesley Sullenberger was given the key to the city and named an honorary Danville police officer.

The Sullenberger family are honoring requests from the United States Airline Pilots Association (USPA), and are still refraining from media interviews.

Sullenberger is scheduled to give his first interview to Katie Couric on “60 Minutes.” It is scheduled to air on Feb. 8.

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Chesley “Scully” Sullenberger the pilot of the downed aircraft, US Airway Flight 1549, is reportedly keeping a low profile since his Thursday emergency landing into the New York’s Hudson River.

According to union officials Sullenberger still faces investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). James Ray, a spokesman for the US Airline Pilots Association said:

“Until the NTSB says he’s a hero, he’s under investigation. The NTSB usually discourages people from calling anyone a hero until facts are in.”

Sullenberger and co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, were interviewed Saturday by the NTSB.

Nevertheless, there is already talk about erecting a statue of Sullenberger; perhaps on the shore of the Hudson River where 155 lives were saved.

Sullenberger is probably not fully aware of how famous he has become yet. Sullenberger’s wife, Lorrie, says:

“He’s been sequestered and hasn’t turned on the television yet, so he only knows what I told him. A little bit. But he has no idea.”

Sullenberger should have an inkling. It has been reported that Sullenberger has fielded calls from President Bush, President-elect Barack Obama, and Mayor Bloomberg.

NBC news announced that Chesley Sullenberger will give his first interview with Matt Lauer on Monday morning on the Today show.