McConnell traces McCain's military ancestry in RNC speech

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell speaks at the Republican National Convention: Getty Images PhotoST. PAUL, Minn. --Kentucky's delegation to the Republican National Convention greeted their home state's U.S. Sen. with an extended standing ovation this evening, as Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) took the podium in St. Paul to officially open the third night of his party's quadrennial gathering.

McConnell introduced the presentation of colors, the reader of the pledge of allegiance, and the singers of America, the Beautiful before delivering a brief speech lauding his party's presumptive nominee for President, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

McConnell hammered on the theme thus far central to the RNC's agenda - McCain's military service.

"The spirit of service and sacrifice is alive in America," said McConnell from the podium. "That spirit of service is embodied in the career of our nominee."

McConnell spoke on the history of military service in McCain's family, tracing his roots back to the descendents of a 18th Century immigrant named Hugh Young, linking each to a different military conflict.

"Yet another would marry a man named McCain, whose son was known as Sidney - and whose great grandson will soon be known to the world as the 44th President of the United States," said McConnell, after listing several of Young's relatives.

The four-term incumbent, who is up for re-election this year, then briefly elaborated on McCain's own military service and his years as a prisoner of war.

"These heroic deeds are not the only reason to vote for John McCain. But they tell us important things about the man," said McConnell. "Because when the crowds fall silent, and the teleprompters are rolled away, what is left is character, proven character. In the end, this is what matters most."

McCain is set to be officially nominated as the Republican presidential nominee tonight, and he is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech tomorrow evening here in St. Paul.