Uncle Sam
Although the colorful image of the patriotic bearded gentleman in his red, white, and blue clothing pointing his finger from a position and uttering the famous words, “I need you” in World War II no longer is presently applicable, the history of the adoption of said national figure is unique.
An individual by the name of Sam Wilson of Troy, New York, who was a meat packer by trade, supplied preserved beef to the United States Army.
He had joined the Revolutionary Army in 1781 at the age of 15 where his duties were to guard cattle, mend fences and package meats. After checking the meat for freshness, Wilson had the barrels stamped with the letters “U.S.” Although the letters stood for “United States” some soldiers thought it stood for “Uncle Sam.” Wilson and his nickname became connected to other Army supplies and Uncle Sam became a sort of mascot.
Over the years the Uncle Sam image was used in political cartoons and ads in the 1880s with his image changed over the years until the current caricature in striped pants and a top hat in three colors was probably credited to an artist named James Montgomery Flagg in 1916. It has remained a patriotic symbol during all conflicts beginning with World War I.
On September 25, 1961, the United States Congress adopted the resolution: “Resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives that the Congress salutes Uncle Sam Wilson of Troy, New York as the progenitor of America's National symbol of “Uncle Sam!”
Will he last another 105 years - only time will tell?
(Excerpts from “The Little Book of Answers” – Author – Doug Lennox – (2003) – MJF Books – New York, NY 1001.)