Grand Marshal Gabby Giffords, Sen. Mark Kelly take in Rose Bowl festivities

PHOENIX — Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly joined his wife Gabby Giffords as she grand marshalled the 134th Rose Parade on Monday.

The former Democratic congresswoman from Tucson rode in the parade and was able to participate in the coin toss for the Rose Bowl Game, as well.

The parade was unique this year occurring on Jan. 2 as it normally normally always happens on New Year’s Day, but the Tournament of Roses Association has never hosted the parade on a Sunday.

The theme of the parade was “Turning the Corner” to represent how the nation and world has rallied after COVID-19.

As we all turn the corner into the new year, I’m so grateful to Tournament of Roses President Amy Wainscott and to the Board of Directors for this amazing opportunity.

Today was a day I will never forget. #2023RoseParade pic.twitter.com/TTSrk6CYSR

— Gabrielle Giffords (@GabbyGiffords) January 2, 2023

“Our lives can change so quickly. Mine did when I was shot but I never gave up hope,” Giffords said at the Tournament House introduction in October.

“I chose to make a new start, to move ahead and not look back.”

The 52-year-old Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 outside a grocery store in Tucson.

Bowl game president Amy Wainscott pointed out how Giffords, a recipient of a Presidential Medal of Freedom, is the perfect example of “Turning the Corner.”

Kelly tweeted he was proud to accompany Giffords at the event.

He has had quite the eventful few months being capped joining his wife on the field for the coin toss after he won re-election over Republican Blake Masters for a U.S. Senator seat in November.