Obama Hugs Gabby Giffords at State of the Union 2012 Speech [VIDEO]

One of the more poignant moments of President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech Tuesday night, was when he embraced Rep. Gabby Giffords on his way to the stage.

Just a year ago, Giffords had been shot in the head and critically injured at the Tucson shooting that shook the nation. Six people were also killed in that incident.

The Arizona congresswoman announced her resignation Sunday, citing her recovery and the desire to do what is best for Arizona, but Giffords has since regained much of her speech and motor skills. Doctors say her progress is remarkable but has a long way to go.

On Tuesday, she was greeted with cheers and standing ovation as she made her way to a seat that was reserved for her. Two colleagues helped her lift her arms so she could wave to the crowd. Giffords sat by her husband, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, and First Lady Michelle Obama.

The president himself then gave Giffords a big hug and grinned before he made his annual address to the nation. Watch the video below (courtesy of The Washington Post).

Suspected shooter Jared Loughner faces 49 federal counts for what authorities say was an assassinaton attempt against Giffords. He is currently at a prison hospital Missouri and psychologists have been tasked with making him mentally fit for trial, according to the Tucson Sentinel.