A History Lesson for Students: Uncle Sam Day
Uncle Sam is a name and face we see all the time, especially in cartoons and on posters. He’s the tall, skinny guy with the white beard, top hat, and a serious look on his face. But who is he, and why do we celebrate him on September 13th?
A History Lesson for Students: Uncle Sam Day
Uncle Sam is a name and face we see all the time, especially in cartoons and on posters. He’s the tall, skinny guy with the white beard, top hat, and a serious look on his face. But who is he, and why do we celebrate him on September 13th?
Who is Uncle Sam?
Uncle Sam is a symbol of the United States government. He’s not a real person, but a cartoon character that represents our country. He’s a lot like other famous symbols you might know, like the Statue of Liberty or the bald eagle.
Where Did Uncle Sam Come From?
The story of Uncle Sam is a pretty interesting one! The name “Uncle Sam” came from a real person named Samuel Wilson. Samuel Wilson lived during the War of 1812, a long time ago. He owned a meat-packing business in Troy, New York. His company provided barrels of meat to the U.S. Army.
The barrels were stamped with the letters “U.S.” to show they were for the United States government. The soldiers who received the barrels joked that the letters “U.S.” stood for “Uncle Sam,” referring to Samuel Wilson. The name stuck! Soon, people all over the country started calling the government “Uncle Sam.”
The Look of Uncle Sam
The way Uncle Sam looks today wasn’t created all at once. Artists over many years slowly developed his appearance. The famous picture of Uncle Sam with the pointing finger was created by an artist named James Montgomery Flagg. He used his own face as a model for the famous poster that said, “I Want You for U.S. Army.” This poster was used to get people to join the army during World War I and II.
Why is Uncle Sam Important Today?
Uncle Sam is a fun way to remember the history of our country and the people who have served it. He represents the American spirit of patriotism and duty. He reminds us that the government is made up of ordinary people who work hard for our country, just like Samuel Wilson did.
Why is Uncle Sam Day on September 13th?
Uncle Sam Day is celebrated on September 13th because it is believed to be the birthday of Samuel Wilson, the man who inspired the name. It’s a day to remember the history of Uncle Sam and what he represents for the United States.
Activity Ideas for Uncle Sam Day:
- Draw your own Uncle Sam: What would Uncle Sam look like if he were a character today?
- Research the War of 1812: Learn more about the war that helped create the legend of Uncle Sam.
- Write a story about Uncle Sam: Imagine what Uncle Sam would do if he were a real person. What would he do for our country?
- Think about what the “U.S.” means to you: What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States?