A Shout-Out to Chivalry

Like many people yesterday, I watched the news of the emergency landing of a US Airways plane on the Hudson River in New York with great fascination. First, I was grateful that there was no loss of life. Second, I was glad to be rebuked in my secret thought that there is no such thing as a "water landing." Every time I hear flight attendants tell us what to do "in the event of a water landing," I want to cynically shout, "You mean, in the event of a water SINKING?!" I have now seen a plane float and I am happy to stand corrected.

But in the aftermath of the event, what consistently brings tears to my eyes are the reports of chivalry. CNN and my local CBS affiliate both repeatedly pointed out that the men allowed the women and the children to exit first. And today The Washington Post wrote that the captain, Chesley Sullenberger III, twice walked the length of the sinking plane to ensure no one was left behind before he exited. These examples of masculine honor and chivalry are worthy of praise in our day. I've also read about some commendable activities from the female passengers, but in our "me first" culture, it is refreshing to read the reports of males acting like true men, guarding and protecting others around them. Well done, gentlemen!

(Photo: This image was taken from a commuter ferry by Sarasota, Fla., resident Janis Krums.)

Comments

[Courtney]

I heard of the story flashing on Facebook statuses and briefly on t.v. last night--a backdrop to making dinner and kids running around me. I didn't quite catch the whole story. So it's nice to read here that the men and the captain were gentlemen and concerned. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I kept getting stuck in the (t.v.) report at the mention of an infant on board, and considered my own two children and how I would have felt as in that situation. Thank you for posting this. Definitely, well done gentlemen!

[Lisa of Longbourn]

I get tears in my eyes hearing those stories, too. Gentleman points!

To God be all glory,
Lisa

[Erin]

I agree, I had tears in my eyes after reading your post, the Washington Post article and after watching the video on that site. What great men to take care of others before themselves.
Praise God that everyone is safe and that people were able to be relatively calm in a very stressful situation.
Thank you for highlighting the noble and courageous actions of men and praising them here on your blog. Well done.
Erin

[Stacy]

Thanks for pointing this out, it was very encouraging to read!!

[Stacey]

Thank you so much for posting this! I know this comment is a little late, but I too am grateful for the godly actions of some of the people in this situation. To God be the glory!

[Bethanne]

I wrote about this as well on my blog and linked to yours. Just for the record the idea was in my head before I read your post:)