To Die For

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The book explores the contentious origins of American national symbols such as July Fourth, "The Star-Spangled Banner," and Memorial Day, revealing them as modern inventions rather than timeless traditions. Cecilia O'Leary examines how the Civil War shaped the concept of loyalty to the nation, highlighting the ongoing cultural and political debates surrounding what it truly means to be an American. Through this lens, the narrative delves into the complexities of national identity and the cultural battles that defined the post-war era.