Moreholidays September Uncle Sam Day

                           

Uncle Sam Day

Uncle Sam

About Uncle Sam Day

Date When Celebrated: This holiday is always observed on September 13

Uncle Sam Day celebrates an important and powerful symbol of America. Uncle Sam is certainly one of America’s most recognized symbols.  He is second only to the American Bald Eagle. He appears on everything from military posters to cartoon images to advertising media. On military posters, he is usually shown with the caption “I want you!” He is perhaps, the most recognizable symbol in the world. 

Did you Know? There are other human symbols representing our country. However, none are anywhere near as popular. They include Brother Jonathan, who largely disappeared after the arrival of Uncle Sam, and Columbia, a female.

How to Celebrate Uncle Sam Day

  • Get some of his posters and display the at home, in school, or in the office.
  • Read a little more about the history of this important American icon.
  • Have a party or picnic in his honor. Only include American dishes.
  • Teach others about this very special uncle.
  • Include his image on emails you send today.

Today's Quote

“The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.” – – Alexis de Tocqueville

History and Origin of Uncle Sam Day

There are two theories as to how our famous uncle came into existence. Both theories date back to the early 1800s.

The officially recognized theory dates back to soldiers stationed near Troy, New York during the war of 1812. Barrels of meat they received was stamped “U.S.” The supplier was Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York. Soldiers jokingly referred to him as “Uncle Sam”. In 1813, the first image of him appeared. In 1961, the U.S. Congress issued a resolution recognizing “Uncle Sam” Wilson and authorizing a monument in his hometown in Troy, NY. 

There is a second, less popular theory of his creation. During the early 1800s, Irish immigrants were coming to America. Some believed that Uncle Sam emerged from these immigrants. In their Gaelic language, the United States of America was “Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá”, abbreviated “SAM”.

Uncle Sam Day became official in 1989 when a joint resolution of Congress designated September 13 “Uncle Sam Day”.  This date was selected, as “Uncle Sam” Wilson was born on September 13, 1776.



More About Today

This Day in History

Famous September Birthdays

Recipe of the Day: Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Dish

Also See: Fall Recipes and Holiday Recipes and Garden Recipes

Flower of the Day: Gladiolus

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Did You Know? There are literally thousands of daily holidays, special events, and observances, more than one for every day of the year. Many of these holidays are new. People and organizations are creating new holidays on a regular basis. September holidays are no exception. At Holiday Insights, we take great efforts to thoroughly research and document the details of each one, as completely and accurately as possible.