A city motto is to woo tourists, conventions and businesses, not just shipping ("Baltimore: Gateway to America," Jan. 25). Most Americans don't know or care that Baltimore was an important port for immigration and commerce because Baltimore is 300 miles farther inland than any other East Coast port. Deregulation of railroads ended its advantage. However, potential tourists do know about our National Anthem. They frequently hear it sung at our sports and civic events.
It makes perfect sense to use The Star-Spangled Banner, our major tourist attraction, as a motto theme. However, the City Council got the wording wrong. It should be, "Star-Spangled City." That's short and alliterative and it uses our anthem title to promote tourism and to compliment Baltimore.
Karl Pfrommer, Lutherville