Lupinacci Joins Walt Whitman Birthplace's 'Favorite Poem Project' Celebration

Lupinacci reads “Election Day – November 1884” by Walt Whitman at the poet’s Birthplace State Historic Site in South Huntington.
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Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I- South Huntington) recently joined more than 100 poetry enthusiasts at the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association’s “Favorite Poem Project” reception.

Held at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site on Sunday, April 17, organizers invited local students, educators and community leaders to read their favorite poems and explain their significance. Hundreds of “favorite poem” submissions, spanning the theme of “Multicultural Voices,” were displayed throughout the Interpretive Center.

Lupinacci read Walt Whitman’s “Election Day, November, 1884.” The poem highlighted the presidential election between then-Senator James G. Blaine and then-New York State Governor Grover Cleveland. Throughout the poem, Whitman notes the exceptional nature of American democracy and his appreciation of the peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential administration to another, shortly following the American Civil War.

“The Favorite Poem Project is a wonderful event to bring people together to celebrate our favorite poets and Huntington’s significance in poetry. I was honored to join WWBA and event-goers to celebrate my favorite poet, Walt Whitman,” Lupinacci said. “I chose to read a poem that directly reflects Whitman’s patriotism and appreciation for the great American experiment.”

“When comparing the Election of 1884 and the present-day campaign, there are a few notable similarities. The nation was, for the most part, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. The nation disagreed upon most of the issues of the day – but, as Whitman highlights, our nation is stronger because we, as Americans, value the will of the people and free and fair elections,” Lupinacci said.

“I want to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site for their dedication to Whitman’s legacy. I am confident that their passion and enthusiasm will be admired and emulated by volunteers and staff for years to come,” Lupinacci said.