Each year during President Barack Obama's State of the Union, First Lady Michelle Obama makes a statement — and we don't mean the fashion kind. Those invited to join the FLOTUS in her box are chosen carefully, and the list always mirrors the president's message. Whether they're everyday Americans or prominent ones, these guests put a human face to headlines or policy. This year, Michelle has invited a diverse group, including CVS CEO Larry Merlo, astronaut Scott Kelly, Ebola fighter Dr. Pranav Shetty, State Senator Catherine Pugh, LAPD veteran Captain Phillip C. Tingirides, community college student Chelsey Davis, and Malik Bryant, a 13-year-old Chicagoan who made headlines after he wrote a letter to Santa asking for safety, eventually getting a response from President Obama. Expect to hear a few shout-outs to these individuals in the president's speech, a tradition Ronald Reagan started. Ahead of tonight's pomp and politics, let's see who had the honor in the past, and be sure to find out where to watch the State of the Union online.
In 2014, Michelle was joined by a group that included:
First Lady Michelle Obama gave Sergeant Cory Rembsburg a thumbs up after his story nearly moved Congress to tears.
In 2013, Michelle was joined by the following:
Gun violence and technology were among the issues reflected in the guest list.
In 2012, Michelle Obama invited several well-known people:
The guest list reflected priorities including immigration, gun control, innovation, income inequality, and gay rights.
Michelle and astronaut Mark Kelly waved. Kelly's wife, Gabby Giffords, also made an emotional appearance on the floor of Congress that year.
The 2011 State of the Union came just weeks after Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in Tucson. Michelle invited the following:
The theme of this State of the Union was national unity, and members of Congress decided to sit together, undivided by political party.
Obama's first official State of the Union took place in 2010, and Michelle's long guest list included the following:
Many of the guests had felt the positive effects of the Recovery Act, aka the stimulus bill.
While 2009 was not officially a State of the Union, since President Obama had not been in office for very long, he did address a joint session of Congress. This time, the newly minted first lady invited the following:
The guests reflected the president's message of recovery and fairness for the start of his presidency.
The first lady hugged Ty'Sheoma Bethea, who had never been on a plane before heading to DC for the big address.