Washington, U.S.A. — The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC) will recognize former Congresswoman Giffords’ inspirational public service. FMC will also name Congresswoman Connie Morella as FMC’s new president.

The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress will present Congresswoman Gabrielle “Gabby” Giffords with the organization’s 2012 “Distinguished Service Award.” The award is presented to a member of Congress who has demonstrated a record of outstanding public service, dedication to public service and improving the lives of every American.

On Tuesday, July 10, at 9:15 a.m. in the Chamber of the House of Representatives, Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz will accept the Distinguished Service Award on behalf of Congresswoman Giffords. The award is presented each year to a former member of Congress who has demonstrated an exemplary dedication to public service and to improving the lives of our citizenry.

Congresswoman Giffords has worked tirelessly to represent not only Arizonans, military families, and veterans, but all Americans. She has reached across party lines to forge bipartisan solutions to the nation’s problems. After the tragic events of January 8, 2011, Giffords continues to inspire Americans with her strength, courage, and bravery and perseverance.

January 8, 2011 is a day that will remain in infamy for Giffords and all Americans when a gunman shot Giffords and eighteen other people at a meeting in a supermarket parking lot. The gunman, Jared Lee Loughner killed six of his victims including a nine-year-old girl and Arizona District Court Chief Judge John Roll. Loughner was eventually found incompetent to stand trial based on two separate medical evaluations.

During the ceremony, former Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-MD, 87-03) will be named president for a two-year term, and the second woman to ever hold that office.

Past award recipients of FMC’s Distinguished Service Award include: John Warner, Bob Dole, George Mitchell, Albert Gore, Jr., Lindy Boggs, and Bill Richardson, among others. A detailed agenda of the July 10 event is available on www.usafmc.org.

Image Courtesy of  United States Congress (http://giffords.house.gov/MilitaryHiRes.jpg) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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