Gabrielle Giffords' office has announced that the Congresswoman will attend Sunday night's vigil on the University of Arizona Mall honoring those who lost their lives last year on Jan. 8th.
From her office:
TUCSON — U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will attend a vigil at the University of Arizona Sunday evening to commemorate the anniversary of the Jan. 8, 2011 shooting in which six people were killed and the congresswoman was critically wounded.The vigil on the UA Mall is one of dozens of events that will be held in Tucson and the surrounding area this weekend to observe the tragedy in which 19 people were shot last year at Giffords’ Congress On Your Corner at a shopping center in Northwest Tucson.
Giffords and her husband, retired Navy captain Mark Kelly, both will participate in the event.
Others participating include Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, Rabbi Stephanie Aaron and Dr. Peter Rhee, chief of the division of trauma, critical care and emergency surgery at the University of Arizona Medical Center. Rhee was among the doctors who treated Giffords and others who were wounded last year.
Ron Barber, Giffords’ district director, will be the emcee for the event. Barber was shot twice and seriously wounded last year. Barber and his family established the Fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding, which will host “Reflections: Honoring the Lives of the January 8 Shooting Victims” at 3 p.m. Sunday in Centennial Hall on the UA campus.
“Congresswoman Giffords wanted to be back in Tucson for this very emotional weekend,” said Pia Carusone, Giffords’ chief of staff. “She felt it was important to be in her hometown with her family, staff members and a few close friends.”
While in Tucson, Giffords will not give interviews.
The vigil at the UA Mall will be hosted by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and the University of Arizona Medical Center. The Tucson Symphony Orchestra will perform as will Calexico, one of the congresswoman’s favorite local bands.
Community members are encouraged to attend and show their support for the families of victims and the survivors. Those attending are asked not to bring candles. Glow sticks will be provided to all those in attendance.
Giffords, a third-generation Tucsonan, has been undergoing intensive therapy in Houston after she was shot in the head last year. This weekend’s trip to Tucson will be the fourth time the congresswoman has returned to Tucson since the shooting. She previously flew back for Father’s Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving...
WHAT: U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords attends vigil commemorating the Jan. 8, 2011 shooting
WHEN: 6:30 — 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan, 8, 2012
WHERE: University of Arizona Mall
