Obama gives, receives props at DNC

DENVER, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- Barack Obama, the freshman senator from Illinois, won his party's nomination by acclamation Thursday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The day's theme, "Securing America's Future," threaded through the speeches of politicians and war veterans, and in a video honoring the military narrated by Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks.

"We serve because we believe in this great nation," said Tammy Duckworth, a helicopter pilot who was wounded in the Iraq war and now is Illinois Veterans Affairs Department director. "President Barack Obama will restore the might of the military."

Barack Obama "will be a superior commander in chief," said Rep. Patrick Murphy of Pennsylvania, a war veteran who stood on stage surrounded by Iraqi war veterans.

"No one can question Barack Obama's patriotism," said Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. John Hutson confessed that he was a Republican for years before becoming a Democrat.

"Why did I change parties?" Hutson said. "Because the Republican Party that I once knew has become something different, something that I no longer even recognize. The Grand Old Party -- the Grand Old Party is no longer grand, it's just old -- the same old failed policies, the same old Washington culture."

Both vice presidential nominee Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and Obama gave props to Bill and Hillary Clinton, who both called for party unity behind Obama. Hillary Clinton and Obama engaged in a hard-fought primary.

"I think President Bill Clinton reminded us of what it's like when you've got a president who actually puts people first," Obama said. "Thank you, President Clinton."