Photos: Gabby Giffords and Others Gather at ‘Embrace’ to Commemorate 14 Years Since Tucson Tragedy

During a solemn gathering on a blustery morning, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords urged attendees to “move forward together” in a quest for a safer nation. This memorial marked the 14th anniversary of the tragic January 8, 2011, attack in Tucson, where a gunman attempted to assassinate her, resulting in six deaths and injuries to 13 others.

The event took place at the “Embrace,” the January 8th Memorial, located just west of the Pima County Historic Courthouse, and was attended by former U.S. Rep. Ron Barber and several dozen community members. Barber emphasized the memorial’s significance, highlighting its role in commemorating that fateful day.

As Barber delivered his remarks, pages of his speech were caught by a gust of wind. Despite the brief distraction, he focused on honoring those affected, not just the victims and survivors but also their families. “My family still deals with the emotion of this day,” he reflected, reiterating the impact of that event on numerous lives.

Barber expressed gratitude towards first responders, hospital staff, and the employees of the Safeway store who rushed to help the injured when the shooting subsided. Having survived the attack himself, Barber later succeeded Giffords in Congress and continues to advocate for meaningful action against gun violence.

Pima County Board Chair Rex Scott echoed Barber’s sentiments, noting the memorial’s importance in the community. “Our hopes for a shared future reside here,” Scott said, urging attendees to channel their sorrow into purposeful actions that drive change. He invoked Marcus Aurelius, encouraging everyone to “get active in your own rescue.”

Alongside Scott were several local officials, including Supervisor Adelita Grijalva and Tucson’s Mayor Regina Romero. The Embrace Memorial, completed in 2020, stands as a poignant reminder of the events of that day, featuring curved metal walls and an infinity symbol representing both loss and community solidarity.

During the ceremony, Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald read the names of the deceased and injured, with a Pima County Sheriff’s Deputy ringing a bell after each name. The emotional moment culminated in the haunting sound of “Taps,” performed by Ruben Moreno, evoking reflections on the tragedy.

Giffords addressed the crowd, sharing her journey of recovery since the shooting. “I chose to make a new start, to move ahead, to not look back,” she said, advocating for perseverance in the face of adversity. She also recognized the collective efforts of those who have supported her throughout her healing process.

Barber reminded attendees of the critical actions taken by two individuals who subdued the gunman during the chaos, underscoring the bravery displayed that day. Patricia Maisch, a survivor, expressed her frustration that such a memorial was necessary but acknowledged its significance in honoring the victims.

“This memorial is sacred ground,” Maisch stated, emphasizing the community’s commitment to remembering those lost. She urged others to take action against gun violence as a tribute to the memories of the victims and survivors.

As the event concluded, attendees walked through the memorial, reflecting on the symbols honoring those who were lost and those who survived. The sun briefly emerged from behind the clouds, illuminating the space as survivors embraced, celebrating life amidst the memory of tragedy.