Uncle Sam Day 2023: Date, History, Facts about America

In 1989, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed September 13 as Uncle Sam Day. This was in recognition of Samuel Wilson's birthday.

Uncle Sam Day is observed annually on September 13. The day honours the man whose iconic image is synonymous with the government of the United States. On September 13, 1766, the intriguing moniker for the United States government was coined. Uncle Sam is as well-known as the stars, stripes, and eagle that are frequently used to symbolise the United States. Uncle Sam is also a remarkable example of how a single image can effectively represent a variety of ideals and aspirations. Uncle Sam Day has become a permanent symbol of the fortitude and ideals of the United States.

The background of Uncle Sam Day

In 1989, President George H.W. Bush proclaimed September 13 as Uncle Sam Day. This was in recognition of Samuel Wilson’s birthday. The day also coincided with the celebration of Troy, New York’s bicentennial, where Wilson resided and worked.

Sam Wilson, a New York-based butcher, supplied soldiers with meat containers during the War of 1812. Wilson would stamp “U.S.” on the barrels to designate the shipping meat. It wasn’t long before the servicemen associated the US stamp with Sam Wilson and began jokingly referring to him as Uncle Sam. This moniker quickly gained popularity.

However, the first depiction of Uncle Sam was not the one we are familiar with today. The 1861 Harper’s Weekly illustration depicts a juvenile Uncle Sam with a bandana on his head and a striped vest dividing Virginia like a butcher. In accordance with the political climate of the nation, Uncle Sam’s image would be remodelled over time. Thomas Nast, a German-born illustrator and cartoonist, devised the Uncle Sam we recognise today, with his long legs. Today, Uncle Sam is recognisable by his starred top cap and his striped trousers. Interestingly, this Uncle Sam debuted in Harper’s Weekly as well. Uncle Sam has been reimagined in colour during the modern era. During World War I, the United States Army utilised the artwork for the “I Want You For The U.S. Army” campaign. It was featured on the cover of Leslie’s Weekly initially.