How does Whitman's poem "Leaves of Grass" reflect the priorities and beliefs in the statement below? "…of all nations the United States with veins full of poetical stuff most need poets and will doubtless have the greatest and use them the greatest."

It is obvious Whitman has a great fondness for the purpose and glory related to the military. Many poems were written during and after the Civil War. Although Whitman never professes partisan political views, it is clear that the poet's patriotism focuses on the soldiers themselves. There is a great amount of pride and reverence for the soldiers and after battles are won and many of the heroes fallen, Whitman promises that their lives, memories and contributions will never be forgotten.

Whitman wrote most of his work in the latter part of the 19th century. During that time, much of the country's focus was still on forming a great nation and how the people could gather together to create a strong bond around independence, courage, and hope. There are sections devoted to Abraham Lincoln, who Whitman seemed to admire. One particularly interesting entry is perhaps Whitman's most famous work, "O Captain! My Captain!"