Watch: Marty Walsh Debuts on National Stage in Philadelphia

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh made his national debut at the Democratic National Convention Monday in Philadelphia, sharing his personal story after taking the stage with Massachusetts delegates chanting his name.

"Good evening," he began. "My name is Marty Walsh, and I'm an alcoholic."

He was one in a long line of speakers at the Wells Fargo Center Monday night, leading up to keynote addressee Elizabeth Warren. The Massachusetts senator and progressive voice is meant to sound the call to unify around presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton after a divisive first day among Democratic delegates.

Walsh, currently in his first term as mayor, has made no secret of his struggle with alcohol addiction during his campaigns or while in office. Now, his personal narrative has gone national.

"On April 23, 1995, I hit rock bottom," Walsh told hundreds of delegates and thousands of reporters. "I woke up with little memory of the night before… and even less hope for the days to come. Everybody was losing faith in me. Everybody except my family… and the labor movement.”

Only his family and his "labor family" gave him a second chance, said Walsh.

Walsh, the "kid from Dorchester" and former president of Boston Building Trades, served as a blue collar voice in Clinton's corner at the convention. He called her "the champion American workers need."

"She will help workers get the skills and jobs and child care they need to support strong families," he said. "She believes in an America that's not just for those with advantages, but she believes in an America for those needing a helping hand."

Walsh also took a dig at Republican nominee Donald Trump, quipping that workers' names might not be written in gold letters on the buildings they've constructed, but "their sweat and pride" is on the inside.

Clinton understands that, he said. She has a vision for a country "where everyone gets a fair shot and a second chance to achieve their dream."

"That's the America I believe in; that's the America I've lived," Walsh said, "And that's why America's working people are going to vote Hillary Clinton as our next president."

Massachusetts delegates chanted "Marty, Marty, Marty," as the mayor took the microphone.

You can watch his speech in full here, via PBS NewsHour:

>> Photo via PBS NewsHour