WASHINGTON — Looking thrilled to be among friends and colleagues, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords returned to Washington on Thursday to attend a Navy retirement ceremony for her husband, former astronaut Mark Kelly.
The visit marked the Arizona Democrat’s second trip to the nation’s capital since she was shot in the head in 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 had no trouble whatsoever pinning the Distinguished Flying Cross on her husband.
As the ceremony ended, reporters were quickly escorted from the room so there was no chance to ask Giffords questions or for her to make any statements. She did not have extended conversations with colleagues at the beginning of the reception, but she turned to them and waved or blew them kisses when they were introduced.
She also wore a heavy brace on her right hand.
Aides said Giffords planned to conduct no congressional business and would return to Houston shortly after the ceremony, where she undergoes rehabilitation therapy.
