Recognizing the citizens of the past and the present for leading the country in the right direction. Recognize the different people who lead different lives and make the fabric of the country and coming to get together and celebrate the big moment. They poet is not only noticing the African American population, “Picked the cotton and the lettuce” but the Chinese workers as well (Alexander line 28). She is showing how every person has a different role in shaping the nation, “catching each other’s eyes” as they help build a more inclusive society (Alexander line 2-3). The nation has come together to “ Praise song for struggle, praise song for the day” by acknowledging the struggles every individual has faced (Alexander line 31). The poet is also noticing the the people of the past, “each one of our ancestors on our tongues”, showing that everyone, from all points in time, have made an impact on the nation (Alexander line 5-6).