PASADENA, Calif. — Gabby Giffords will function grand marshal of the 134th Rose Parade subsequent 12 months.
The previous Democratic congresswoman from Arizona will experience down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on Jan. 2. Giffords can be a part of the coin flip for the 109th Rose Bowl recreation later that day.
As a result of Jan. 1 falls on a Sunday subsequent 12 months, the parade and recreation can be held on Monday in line with the Event of Roses’ custom of by no means having the occasions on a Sunday.
“I’m so honored to be grand grasp of the Rose Parade,” Giffords mentioned Thursday after being launched on the garden of Event Home in Pasadena. She walked out to the Tom Petty music “I Received’t Again Down.”
The parade’s theme of “Turning the Nook” represents the world rising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the sweeping flip the floats and bands make from Orange Grove Boulevard onto Colorado Boulevard as a part of their 5 1/2-mile route.
Giffords, 52, was shot within the head in January 2011 exterior a Tucson, Arizona, grocery retailer throughout a public look. Due to the extreme mind harm she suffered, she needed to re-learn learn how to stroll and discuss.
“Our lives can change so rapidly. Mine did once I was shot however I by no means gave up hope,” Giffords advised the group. “I selected to make a brand new begin, to maneuver forward and never look again.”
Event of Roses president Amy Wainscott selected Giffords as “an ideal instance of learn how to valiantly flip the nook.”
Giffords is a gun security advocate who obtained the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this 12 months.
Giffords’ husband, Democrat Mark Kelly, is working for reelection to the U.S. Senate from Arizona. He didn’t be a part of her for Thursday’s announcement, however he can be beside her for the New Yr’s festivities.
