This will be a short diary, since it is meant to point to images. Powerful images courtesy of NY's Daily News, images which - as Empty Wheel reminds us - underscore the fine character and training of this country's unionized workers. Images that should be seen by everyone.
The New York Daily News has long been known for its news photos . Here then is one such example, showing the ferry boats, which had quickly reached the crashed plane, as the rescue was taking place.
Here are two more, both showing yesterday's event in terms of rescuers doing their jobs in helping bring everyone to safety. It also underscores how cold the weather was yesterday.
Anyway, there is much more. Follow the link and see for yourselves. And while a picture is worth, as they say, a thousand words, here is some of what this newspaper editorialized today.
Thrust together by fate and living a nightmare that fleetingly crosses every flier's mind, they rose remarkably to the terrible occasion.
Pilot Chesley Sullenberger proved to be one hell of an aviator. "Prepare for impact," he instructed before touching plane to water with no more than heavy pounding. And then he made sure everyone was off before leaving himself.
The crew and passengers, well aware that the engines had blown, faced their likely deaths with similar reserve and then executed a by-the-book evacuation from the sinking Airbus 320.
To see them standing on a wing, looking as if they were walking on water, was to rejoice and to feel sure that New York's superb police and fire rescuers would soon have them warm and dry.
The Coast Guard, the Circle Line, New York Water Taxi and numerous other private craft all did their parts in spontaneous, life-saving cooperation under extreme conditions.
The day will long live in memory. We were blessed.
Indeed!
UPDATE: Some TV coverage
Also, NY1 has viewer photos of the recue operation.