WASHINGTON (RNN) - Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was greeted with a standing ovation by her fellow members Wednesday as she walked down the aisle of the House for the last time, signaling the end of her career in public service – for now.
In her resignation letter, read by her friend and colleague, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-FL, Giffords paid tribute to friends and constituents who were injured or killed in the 2011 shooting that almost took her life.
"Not a day goes by that I don't feel grief for the lives lost and those torn apart," Schultz read from the statement.
That day would always be remembered "by their country and their Congress."
In her letter, the Democratic congresswoman vowed to continue her recovery and to once again serve the public.
"Every day I am working hard," she wrote. "I will recover and will return and we will work together again for Arizona and for all Americans."
Giffords' last act in Congress was voting on a smuggling bill she co-introduced that passed unanimously, 408-0.
The legislation imposes tougher penalties on smugglers who use small aircraft to avoid radar when illegally transporting drugs north from the Mexico border.
[Click here to watch Giffords announce her resignation.]
Giffords also wrote about her time serving in Congress. She stated she had always fought for what was right, "but never did I question the character of those I disagreed with."
"In the end, we come together as Americans to set a course toward greatness," Schultz read.
Before the vote, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, saluted Giffords and recognized her as "the brightest star among us, the brightest star congress has ever seen."
"She has brought the word ‘dignity' to new heights by her courage," Pelosi said.
Giffords received a warm welcome Tuesday as well, from her colleagues and from President Barack Obama, when she attended the State of the Union Address.
Also on Tuesday, her office released a statement announcing she would hand her letter of resignation to Boehner and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer. It goes into effect at the end of the day.
Giffords was shot in the head and critically wounded Jan. 8, 2011 at a public meeting in a supermarket parking lot in Tucson, AZ. Six people were killed and a dozen more wounded.
She spent Monday morning finishing the interrupted "Congress on Your Corner" event where the shooting took place, greeting many of the other survivors.
[Click here to read Tucson News Now's coverage of the special election.]
The congresswoman posted a 2-minute, pre-recorded message Sunday on YouTube, announcing that she would resign.
"I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice. Thank you for your prayers and for giving me time to recover," she said. "I have more work to do on my recovery, so to do what is best for Arizona, I will step down this week."
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer reacted to the news of Giffords' resignation Sunday by saying she would continue to hold Gabby in her thoughts and prayers as she continues on her path to recovery.
Giffords' resignation will force the governor to hold a special election in April to fill her seat.
"Upon the Congresswoman's office being officially declared vacant, I will call a special primary and general election in order to fill the 8th Congressional District vacancy, in accordance with Arizona law," Brewer said. "The winner will complete the remainder of Congresswoman Giffords' term, which expires at the end of 2012."
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Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-AZ, visits the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. (Source: CNN)
Giffords speaks with Suzie Heilman, one of the victims of the January 2011 shooting. (Source: CNN)
Giffords embraces Daniel Hernandez, the intern who is credited with saving her life. (Source: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Facebook page)
Giffords spent Monday morning by finishing her interrupted "Congress on Your Corner" event. (Source: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords' Facebook page)
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