Preparation behind the 'miracle'

Everyone seems to be calling it the "miracle on the Hudson," the safe landing of a jetliner on the New York river Thursday, but that description is unfair to so many.

I'm not saying there was no divine intervention, but the safe landing also was the result of planning and training.

The jet is designed to stay afloat in such a landing. Pilots train on how to safely set the plane down in water. Flight attendents must fall back on their training and take charge of the cabin to lead passengers to safety.

Finally, the ferries and boats that promptly responded to evacuate passengers played no small role in the potential disaster.

While we thank God for the end result, we also must thank the long line of people who have prepared for such situations.