PHILADELPHIA -- It was like something out of a Republican National Convention circa 1984.
But a look at the signage, and at the calendar, made clear these retired military officials offering hoarse-voiced praise of the American military were here indeed to endorse Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention.
Oh, and the occasional "no more war" chant from the crowd also gave it away.
Under Clinton, retired four-star Marine Gen. John Allen said, "our armed forces will be stronger. They will have the finest weapons, the greatest equipment. They will have the support of the American people – you! -- and the American military will continue to be the shining example of America at our very best."
Allen was introduced by U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu of California.
"Donald Trump said, and I am not making this up, 'I know more about ISIS than the generals do,'" Lieu said. "Well, please welcome, the four -star general that knows more about ISIS than anyone."
Allen, who was President Barack Obama's envoy to the global coalition fighting ISIS, made little to know reference to Donald Trump. Instead, surrounded by fellow retired military leaders, Allen made clear he was there only to promote Clinton and the U.S. military.
"But I also know with her as our commander-in-chief our international relations will not be reduced to a business transaction," Allen said in an obvious dig at Trump. "I also know that our armed forces will not become an instrument of torture. And they will not be engaged in murder or carry out other illegal activities.
"To our enemies: We will pursue you as only America can. You will fear us. And to ISIS and others, we will defeat you!"
Continuing a theme that began Wednesday night, yet another speaker came out to testify to Clinton's commitment to the military and to our fight against terrorism.
Medal of Honor winner Florent Groberg, a retired Army captain, Clinton "has been training for this moment for decades," through her work for "wounded warriors and our families."
"As president, she will reform the VA, not privatize it," Groberg said. "(She will) help heal the invisible wounds that lead to suicide. And as commander-in-chief, she will defeat ISIS. When Hillary's moment comes, she will be ready. Ready to lead."
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