Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, made an unexpected appearance at the State of the Union as President Donald Trump spoke about America's space plans.
Mr Aldrin, sporting a US stars and stripes tie, was given a standing ovation by the house chamber and saluted Mr Trump as he was introduced as one of the Apollo 11 astronauts.
"In 2019, we also celebrate 50 years since brave young pilots flew a quarter of a million miles through space to plant the American flag on the face of the moon," said Mr Trump.
"Half a century later, we are joined by one of the Apollo 11 astronauts who planted that flag: Buzz Aldrin. This year, American astronauts will go back to space on American rockets."
Mr Aldrin, 89, later said on Twitter that it was an "honour" to be at the State of the Union and "to hear of Mr Trump's resolve to pursue America's greatness in space".
He earlier tweeted an image of himself saluting the President, commenting that he was "proud to serve the USA".
Mr Aldrin, who joined Neil Armstrong on the lunar surface in July 1969, was at the White House last June for President Trump's announcement directing the Pentagon to create a "Space Force" as a new military branch.
And he marked this visit to meet the president with an image from outside the White House, saying "hello my old friend".
-
US President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address with Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at the Capitol in Washington, DC, 5 February 2019. EPA -
Donald Trump arrives to deliver his State of the Union address. AP Photo -
Donald Trump shakes hands with Vice President Mike Pence, as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi looks on, as he arrives in the House chamber. AP -
Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi listen as Donald Trump delivers his second State of the Union address. Reuters -
US First Lady Melania Trump in the First Lady's box attends the State of the Union address. EPA -
Nancy Pelosi gestures to fellow Democrats as Donald Trump acknowledges women in Congress during his State of the Union address. AP Photo -
Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address. EPA -
Melania Trump applauds with cancer survivor Grace Eline as she is mentioned byDonald Trump. Reuters -
Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address. EPA -
Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address. EPA -
Donald Trump gestures during his State of the Union address. Reuters -
Melania Trump talks with cancer survivor Grace Eline, her guest in the first ladies box. Reuters -
Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address. EPA -
Donald Trump delivers his second State of the Union address. Reuters -
Donald Trump speaks to Supreme Court justices after delivering the State of the Union address . AFP -
Donald Trump is surrounded by people after delivering the State of the Union address. AFP
