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Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords made a return to the political stage last night, leading the pledge of allegiance at the Democratic National Convention.

Giffords, who left Congress in January to focus on her recovery from a shooting that left her grievously wounded, was greeted with thunderous applause.

She walked out with good friend and DNC chairwoman Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) by her side. Watch Gabby lead the pledge below …

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Her appearance brought the Time Warner Cable Arena to their feet in an ovation that lasted more than a minute and spurred chants of “Gabby, Gabby!”

Many in the audience were visibly moved, for good reason.

Giffords delivered the pledge in a clear strong voice, her left hand holding up her right – the side left weakened by a bullet to her brain – to her heart.

She left the stage blowing kisses to the crowd, prompting another rousing ovation. President Obama’s acceptance speech followed shortly thereafter.