Former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords led the pledge of allegiance in an emotional moment at the Democratic National Convention Thursday evening, more than a year and a half after she was shot in the head during a public appearance in her home state of Arizona.

Giffords received resounding cheers and a standing ovation as she walked haltingly to the center of the stage, accompanied by her close friend, Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz .

Giffords spoke the words of the pledge slowly but confidently, smiling widely and blowing kisses to the crowd after she finished.

Giffords resigned from the House of Representatives in January, a year after being severely wounded in the January 8, 2011 shooting. Six people died in the attack and 13 were injured.

Members of the audience chanted “fired up, ready to go” after Giffords' appearance, and several in the crowd could be seen crying.