Uncle Sam Day
About Uncle Sam Day
When is Uncle Sam Day? This holiday is always observed on September 13
Uncle Sam Day celebrates an important and powerful symbol of America. It is a September 13 holiday. 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
By all means, you will enjoy this holiday. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate it:
- Get some of his posters and display them 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.
- Equally important, teach others about this very special uncle.
- Also 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.
First, 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”. Then 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.
Also, 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, because “Uncle Sam” Wilson was born on September 13, 1776.
More September 13 Holidays
Additionally, here are some things that happened on this day:
- New York City becomes the Capitol of the United States. I bet you didn’t know that! (1788)
- Nintendo introduces the first Super Mario game. (1985)
- Ben Savage, actor, “Cory Matthews” on TV series “Boy Meets World”, was born on this day in 1980.
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Dish
Also See: Fall Recipes and Holiday Recipes and Garden Recipes
Flower of the Day: Gladiolus
Ecards Send a free Ecard daily for just about any September calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Or, just for the fun of it!
Holiday Insights, where every day in September is a holiday, a bizarre or wacky day, an observance, or a special event. So, please join us in the daily calendar fun each and every day of the year.
Did You Know? Furthermore, in addition to Uncle Sam Day, 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.