Gabby Giffords Resigns

There wasn't a dry eye in the house as Congresswoman Gabby Giffords resigned Wednesday, a year after she was shot in the head by a would-be assassin.

Speaker of the House John Boehner helped steady Giffords as she stepped up to hand him her official letter of resignation. He was so overwhelmed with emotion his eyes filled with tears.

The touching moment brought Capitol Hill to it's feet for a standing ovation that went on and on.

Gifford's mother sat in the front row of the gallery, next to Giffords's husband, former Astronaut Mark Kelly.  

Giffords's closest compatriots in Congress stood on either side of her offering steadying hands.   

Florida congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, tearfully led a tribute saying, "I am so proud of my friend, and it will always be one of the great treasures of my life to have met and served with Gabby Giffords."

Kelly covered his face, overcome by the raw emotion of the moment.