'Sully' named Rose Parade grand marshal

PASADENA, Calif., Nov. 5 (UPI) -- Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger III, who safely landed a passenger jet in New York's Hudson River, will be grand marshal of the 2010 Rose Parade, officials said.

The Tournament of Roses said the 121st Rose Parade on New Year's Day -- with the theme "A Cut Above the Rest" -- will honor "everyday heroes."

Sullenberger was at the controls of US Airways Flight 1549 Jan. 15 when the jetliner lost power and he ditched the plane into the river.

"Captain Sully saved the lives of 155 people and is an excellent example of the everyday American hero," Jeffrey Throop, acting president of the Tournament of Roses, said in a release.

"It has long been a family tradition to watch the Rose Parade," Sullenberger said in a statement. "I am incredibly honored to be named the grand marshal of such a revered American institution."

Sullenberger will also toss the coin at the 96th Rose Bowl Game Jan. 1.

Sullenberger is the author of the book "Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters," co-written with Jeffrey Zaslow.