[1][2] Lenny Skutnik was the first such guest, who was celebrated for his heroism following the crash of Air Florida Flight 90 on January 13, 1982.
Skutnik dove into the icy Potomac River, saving the life of a passenger.
For this act he was commended by U.S. president Ronald Reagan during the annual State of the Union speech held later that month.
Since then, the term "Lenny Skutniks" has been used to refer to individuals invited to sit in the gallery, and often cited by the President, during the speech.
Bill Clinton restored the practice upon assuming the Presidency, and it has continued under George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.