President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address Tuesday, and the event promises to be one to watch closely – not only to hear what the commander in chief has to say, but also to observe the actions of lawmakers who will be in attendance at the Capitol.

Many members of the House and the Senate have vowed to participate in an unusual and groundbreaking show of unity during Tuesday’s address by sitting among fellow members from the opposing party.

Traditionally, the gathering brings the joint session of Congress to order with Democrats and Republicans seated on opposite sides of the aisle. Much of the time taken to deliver the speech can be attributed to lengthy eruptions of applause to remarks the president delivers. Many times, the parties respond to remarks by giving standing ovations, an act that has shown how partisan the political game has become in Washington. When the president’s legislative agenda causes a division down parties lines, the rift can clearly be seen during the State of the Union address, when officials in half the room are standing and applauding certain remarks while those in the other half of the room remain seated with arms folded.

Lawmakers participating in the mixed seating proposal Tuesday night may help us all avoid this spectacle. The standing ovations may also be quashed altogether

Tuesday’s event will be President Obama’s first State of the Union address delivered to a Republican-controlled House of Representatives. With several newcomers now at the helm and members likely to break tradition by sitting in bipartisan groups, there may be a very different atmosphere in the room.

Sen. Mark Udall (D-Colorado) is credited for proposing the show of unity during the upcoming address. The proposal comes on the heels of the assassination attempt on the life of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Arizona) during the senseless shooting rampage by a lone gunman in Tucson, Ariz. earlier this month.

President Obama’s speech following the Tucson shooting was considered by many to be one of the most stirring speeches he has delivered since taking office.

Tragedies like this have brought Americans together, and dozens of members of Congress plan to symbolize the strength in unity on Tuesday. Regardless of what is said, it should be an interesting and patriotic display.