When I heard that Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly were to be in the Cincinnati 4th of July parade I knew that I had to be there. It was a 5 hour drive from my home in Fenton, Michigan so it was doable. They were on their 7 day 7 state Rights and Responsibilities Tour. They went to Maine and North Carolina to show gratitude to those Senators who cast courageous Yea votes. Other states on the tour were Alaska, North Dakota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Nevada. Senators from these states were lacking in courage and needed to hear from their voters.
My wife, Carilee wanted to shake Gabby Giffords hand. I wanted to provide a good visual with my 12' Universal Background Check banner. We both achieved our goals!
I also wanted to see this incredibly strong, inspiring woman in person.
Some people get discouraged by the gun violence epidemic. They say that nothing will work or that Congress will not pass gun safety legislation. It becomes an excuse for inaction. When Gabby Giffords was in the fight of her life she found the inner strength to persevere. She and Mark Kelly did not give up. They showed the fortitude and determination to succeed.
Let her words speak for themselves. They certainly inspired me!
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As the parade began we were asked to lead the red pickup truck that Mark Kelly and Gabby Giffords were in. They stood in the back of the truck with their dog during the 1.5 mile parade. It was raining, but I never felt better in my life. Standing with Gabby Giffords and carrying my Universal Background Checks banner was one of the proudest moments of my life.
As the battle for common sense gun legislation goes on, remember Gabby Giffords. Think of all of the daily struggles that she went through during the last 2 1/2 years to progress to this point. Let her courage and strength be your inspiration to carry this fight to its conclusion when Congress passes and President Obama signs Universal Background Checks!