DENISON, Texas (KTEN) — Famed aviator Capt. "Sully" Sullenberger paid a visit to his hometown of Denison, Texas, on Saturday. 

The festivities included a book-signing, a parade down Main Street, and a mural dedication ceremony. 

Denison citizens gathered downtown to welcome the man who — on January 15, 2009 — successfully landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after both engines were struck by geese.

All 155 passengers and crew survived. 

"We were very fortunate to have the outcome we did on that flight, and to have all these opportunities since then," Sullenberger said. "By preparing yourself well and being a lifelong learner and constantly striving for excellence, you can have a firm foundation on which to then build and to adapt what you know by adding a new way to solve a problem you've never seen before by working together as a team."

'Sully' acknowledges his legacy after the "Miracle on the Hudson" and the impact his story has had on aviation. 

"It's been the source of wonderful opportunities like this one. It allowed me to have — depending on how you count them — a number of other chapters in my life I wouldn't have had otherwise," he said.

Aviation student Ryan Heiner traveled to Denison from McKinney to say hello to his hero. 

"To meet someone who saved so many lives and changed the aviation industry forever, it's really cool to meet him... and he's an inspiration, too," Heiner said.