Giffords makes return to Washington for ceremony
Gabrielle Giffords with her Husband and Nancy Pelosi
Looking thrilled to be among friends and colleagues, Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to Washington on Thursday to attend a Navy retirement ceremony for her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly.
The visit marks the Arizona congresswoman’s second trip to the nation’s capital since she was shot in the head last January while meeting with constituents in Tucson. About 30 people, including Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, greeted her and Kelly with a standing ovation as they entered the Secretary of War suite at the Eisenhower Executive Building next to the White House. Giffords walked slowly and with a noticeable limp, wearing running shoes with her suit, but she looked overjoyed to see some of her fellow lawmakers again.
Vice President Joe Biden emceed the ceremony, which included awarding Kelly two of the military’s highest awards. Biden had a little trouble pinning the Legion of Merit on Kelly and blamed it on the dim lighting, but Giffords stepped up and had no trouble whatsoever pinning the Distinguished Flying Cross on her husband.
“Gabby did it better than I did,” Biden said as the audience laughed and applauded.
Biden made note of Giffords appearance and her near-constant smile, telling her, “You look good, Gabby.”