Near the end of the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt- then president of the United States-was tasked with writing a speech to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. In his speech, he briefly reflects on the grandeur of the past, but turned the peoples' minds to the future, in which America will fulfill all the promises that the Statue of Liberty exemplifies. He does this through pulling these ideas together, as he does with the people of America, and unifies them. With this focus on unification and the future, he instills hope and confidence for the future that they can go through this dark time. FDR begins by laying out a glorious image before the audience. He describes what it may have been like for the "men and women, who...have strained their eyes to the west for the first glimpse of the New World". The steerage symbolizes the simplicity of the way in which these people came to America. He contrasts their position in the steerage of the boats with those who "traveled in greater luxury". By providing this contrast, the people who traveled in the steerage are not any less important and valuable despite the humble way in which they came. They saw the New World, and what it could represent-their hopes. FDR takes this contrast, and the contrast of them who "came to us speaking many tongues", to then unify everyone, through expressing "a single language, the language of human aspiration". FDR uses all this to establish a precedent for the rest of his speech. He takes a very wistful and majestic tone describing the past. He wanted to start of his speech unifying the people in preparation for what he is going to next speak about. As FDR continues his speech, he shifts the audience's focus to the present moment. He speaks of how "there is unity...in general purpose" in America at the time. This is very important at that time, as America is very diverse, and also going through the Great Depression which was very isolating for people. He then shifts back in time briefly to address the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, and with the reference to "Grover Cleveland recognized that unity of purpose [peace]".He builds credibility with this story through showcasing his knowledge of the past, and connecting his legacy to that of Grover Cleveland, and also readdresses the importance of unification when he states this. Towards the end of his speech, FDR begins to get into the purpose of his speech. The purpose of his speech is that despite the bleak present, America has a glorious future ahead if the people stay unified and hopeful. He says with surety "the richness of this promise has not run out". He brings a sense of loyalty and grandiose hope with this statement. At that time, the word "richness" was appealing to everyone as they struggled financially. But as FDR uses this word, he redefines what richness is. "This promise" that he speaks of is what the Statue of Liberty represents: peace and liberty. He makes it personal and intimate as he repeatedly says "I" through this finishing section. This connects the people to Roosevelt, making them feel closer and more unified to the leader of their country. With the focus on unification and the future, Roosevelt creates a stronger bond between the people, and fills them with a hope that they can go through this dark time.