Uncle Sam Day is celebrated annually on September 13th in the United States. The day commemorates the man behind the iconic image which is synonymous with the United States government.
The fascinating nickname as "Uncle Sam" for the United States government came to be on September 13, 1766, hence the Uncle Sam Day is celebrated on this day to mark the anniversary of it.
Uncle Sam is as famous as the stars and the stripes and the eagle that is often used to represent the nation of America. He has also become a permanent symbol of American strength and idealism.
| Event | Uncle Sam Day |
|---|---|
| Date | September 13, 2022 |
| Day | Tuesday |
| Significance | Honors the enduring image of American might and ideals |
| Observed by | United States |
Uncle Sam Day History:
President George HW Bush made this day official when he declared September 13 as Uncle Sam Day in 1989. This was in honor of Samuel Wilson’s birth anniversary. The day also coincided with the bicentennial celebration of the City of Troy, New York where Wilson lived and worked.
Sam Wilson was a meat packer from New York and he used to supply barrels of meat to soldiers during the war of 1812. Wilson would stamp “U.S.” on the barrels to identify the meat for shipment. Then the soldiers started to associate the stamp of the US with Sam Wilson himself and cheerfully started addressing him as Uncle Sam. This nickname soon became very popular.
However, the first illustration of Uncle Sam came much late than this as it was published by Harper’s Weekly in 1861 in which the young Uncle Sam wore a bandana on his head and a striped vest and is depicted dividing up Virginia like a butcher. Through the years, the image of Uncle Sam would be changed again and again according to the political climate of the country.
But it wasn’t even an American who designed the Uncle Sam logo as the credit belongs to German-born illustrator and cartoonist Thomas Nast who designed the long-legged Uncle Sam we know as of today. Today Uncle Sam can be distinguished by a starred top hat and striped pants.
Uncle Sam Day Significance:
The official purpose of the symbol of Uncle Sam is to symbolize American strength,freedom, idealism and values but in the recent times it has also been extensively used to make satires on the working of the US government and its policies. However still it is considered as an important symbol to represent America and generally doesn't considered as being offensive.
Today Uncle Sam is portrayed in a very stylish way as a cartoon figure having long white hair and chin whiskers and dressed in a swallow-tailed coat, vest, tall hat, and striped trousers. And all of his clothes are filled with American symbols. And that's why it has also become a logo for patriotism. As during World War 2 the US Army also used it as a symbol for recruiting soldiers.
Uncle Sam also makes for a fascinating case study of how an image can successfully represent a bunch of ideals and aspirations. Uncle Sam Day has become a permanent symbol of American strength and idealism and it continues to remain as a very popular symbol. Although many times it is used as an satire for the US government today but still people loves this symbol so much.
There are two memorials to Uncle Sam today, both of which commemorate the life of Samuel Wilson which are the Uncle Sam Memorial Statue in Arlington, Massachusetts at his birthplace and a memorial near his long-term residence in Riverfront Park, Troy, New York.
Uncle Sam Day Activities:
Trying your hand at drawing the Uncle Sam logo on Uncle Sam Day is one of the best way to mark this day and pay tribute to this iconic symbol. You may also create digital art, knit, or sketch the logo. But do draw this symbol as along with celebrating Uncle Sam Day it will also help you in improving your drawing skills and while drawing you will have a fun time too.
Uncle Sam Day stands for all things American. Spend the day playing American sports, eating American foods, and watching Hollywood movies. So yeah try to do everything American and become an American patriot for atleast a day and celebrate the spirit of this country.
Also you can learn more about Sam Wilson and his achievements on this day. Then try to learn more about all of American history so that you can be well-informed about the history of this amazing and large nation and you will also get to know that how America became what it is today.
Most Searched FAQs on Uncle Sam Day:
1. When is Uncle Sam Day is celebrated?
Uncle Sam Day is celebrated annually on 13th September in US.
2. Who is Uncle Sam in real life?
Uncle Sam is based on a New York State businessman, Sam Wilson.
3. Who is Uncle Sam's female equivalent?
Rosie the Riveter is a loosely based female version of Uncle Sam.