Updated

CHARLOTTE - Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) will deliver the pledge of allegiance at the DNC Convention shortly after gaveling in this afternoon.

Her appearance will kick off a night of festivities which will climax with President Barack Obama's nomination acceptance speech.

Giffords resigned her Southern Arizona congressional seat in January to continue her recovery from a debilitating gunshot to the head inflicted during a 2011 assassination attempt.