The most emotional moment of the State of the Union came when Trump told the story of a North Korean defector who raised his crutches in triumph

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January 31, 2018 5:21 AM

Trump recounted the tearful story of Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector, who endured multiple amputations after losing consciousness from hunger:

Trump recounted the tearful story of Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector, during his first State of the Union address.
The defector, a multiple amputee, held up his crutches amid resounding cheers.

During his first State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump recounted the tearful story of Ji Seong-ho, a North Korean defector who endured multiple amputations under devastating circumstances as a child:

Seong-ho was later tortured after returning from China, but "," Trump said. Seong-ho traveled thousands of miles on his crutches and eventually made it to Seoul, South Korea, where he now assists fellow defectors.

"Today he has a new leg," Trump continued, "But Seong-ho, I understand you still keep those old crutches as a reminder of how far you have come. Your great sacrifice is an inspiration to us all."

Seong-ho stood triumphantly and raised his wooden crutches amid roaring applause from lawmakers in both parties.

"Seong-ho's story is a testament to the yearning of every human soul to live in freedom," Trump said. "It was that same yearning for freedom that nearly 250 years ago gave birth to a special place called America."

Also in attendance were family members of Otto Warmbier, the US student who visited North Korea, was later imprisoned and fell ill while in custody before he was sent back to the US. He died shortly after.

"Otto's Parents, Fred and Cindy Warmbier, are with us tonight — along with Otto's brother and sister, Austin and Greta," Trump said. "You are powerful witnesses to a menace that threatens our world, and your strength inspires us all. Tonight, we pledge to honor Otto's memory with American resolve."

Watch the clip here:

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