Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, whose political career was cut short when she was seriously wounded by a gunman at a constituent event on Jan. 8, 2011, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night to lead the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
With her longtime friend and colleague, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., by her side, Giffords fought her way through the oath in a spirited but at times slurred voice, as conventioneers, many in tears, joined her before exploding into applause.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker tweeted:
"Ok, now Gabby Giffords just made me cry. What a testimony to strength, resilience, perseverance and beauty!"
She walked haltingly off with the stage with Wasserman Schultz aiding her progress, but all the time flashing a broad smile as supporters stayed on their feet, chanting "Gabby! Gabby!" and, "Fired Up! Ready to go!" during a prolonged ovation.
On Aug. 13, after 17 months at a rehab facility in Houston, Giffords moved back to Tucson, where she continues therapy.
Giffords resigned from Congress in late January.
Source: Associated Press
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