Gabrielle Giffords on Malala Yousafzai: Her Courage Is Uncommon

Like millions around the world, I draw strength from brave Malala’s example.

I have seen courage in many places — in the thousands of our nation’s military members I have met and represented; in those who ran toward the gunfire in a Safeway parking lot on Jan. 8, 2011; and in our leaders who take the tough votes because it’s the right thing to do — but Malala’s courage is uncommon.

In the face of oppression and bitter injustice, she demands education and opportunity. In the face of violence from the hands of cowards, she refuses to back down.

Read the rest here.

Read more: Exploring a Decade of TIME100 in Photos