Gabrielle Giffords Makes First Public Appearance At Space Center Houston
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) made her first public appearance since being wounded in a tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona earlier this year in which numerous victims were hurt or had their lives taken, ABC News reports.
According to the outlet, Giffords attended a ceremony at Space Center Houston in Texas at which her husband astronaut Mark Kelly -- who recently announced his retirement from NASA, effective October 1 -- was awarded the Spaceflight Medal, which is given to shuttle members upon safely returning home from their missions.
ABC News reports:
Her hair was much shorter than in previously published photos. She was wearing glasses, a beige scarf, a light shirt, jeans and sneakers. She smiled and waved to the crowd.
Giffords and Kelly held hands for most of the event. She appeared to chat with people sitting around her, and laughed when the crew of STS-134, the Space Shuttle Endeavour's last mission, was introduced. Kelly commanded the mission.
The Arizona congresswoman herself reportedly received a standing ovation at the event.
In announcing his plans to retire last week, Kelly said that he plans to spend more time by his wife's side.
"As life takes unexpected turns we frequently come to a crossroads," he wrote in a message posted on his Facebook page. "I am at this point today. Gabrielle is working hard every day on her mission of recovery. I want to be by her side. Stepping aside from my work in the Navy and at NASA will allow me to be with her and with my two daughters. I love them all very much and there is no doubt that we will move forward together. After some time off, I will look at new opportunities and am hopeful that one day I will again serve our country."
According to the outlet, Giffords attended a ceremony at Space Center Houston in Texas at which her husband astronaut Mark Kelly -- who recently announced his retirement from NASA, effective October 1 -- was awarded the Spaceflight Medal, which is given to shuttle members upon safely returning home from their missions.
ABC News reports:
Her hair was much shorter than in previously published photos. She was wearing glasses, a beige scarf, a light shirt, jeans and sneakers. She smiled and waved to the crowd.
Giffords and Kelly held hands for most of the event. She appeared to chat with people sitting around her, and laughed when the crew of STS-134, the Space Shuttle Endeavour's last mission, was introduced. Kelly commanded the mission.
The Arizona congresswoman herself reportedly received a standing ovation at the event.
In announcing his plans to retire last week, Kelly said that he plans to spend more time by his wife's side.
"As life takes unexpected turns we frequently come to a crossroads," he wrote in a message posted on his Facebook page. "I am at this point today. Gabrielle is working hard every day on her mission of recovery. I want to be by her side. Stepping aside from my work in the Navy and at NASA will allow me to be with her and with my two daughters. I love them all very much and there is no doubt that we will move forward together. After some time off, I will look at new opportunities and am hopeful that one day I will again serve our country."
