Garrison Keillor’s wonderful Writer’s Almanac (which I listen to as a podcast) noted this about the Star-Spangled Banner:
Before the war [of 1812], the American flag had little sentimental significance for most Americans. It was used mainly as a way to designate military garrisons or forts. But after the publication of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” even non-military people began to treat the flag as a sacred object.
Chalk another bit of insanity up to the baleful effects of war. (Note also the short tribute to H.L. Mencken on his birthday which was yesterday).
5:52 pm on September 13, 2006
