Uncle Sam Day
U.S. President George H. W. Bush declared “Uncle Sam Day” for September 13, 1989. The date September 13, 1766 was the birthday of Samuel Wilson, the Troy (NY) meat packer who some believe was the original “Uncle Sam.” Troy celebrates each September 13th with an Uncle Sam Day Parade.
A Washington Post story in March 2013 described a very different “Uncle Sam Day”—the day when money is received from the federal government. This “Uncle Sam Day” is usually the first of every month.
The American Presidency Project
GEORGE BUSH
XLI President of the United States, 1989-1993
Proclamation 6016 - Uncle Sam Day, 1989
September 5, 1989
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The tall, white-haired figure of Uncle Sam—his stern, sagacious face graced by a flowing beard, and his distinguished top hat adorned by stars and stripes—is a beloved symbol of the United States. Recognized around the world, the striking visage of Uncle Sam recalls the pride and strength of the American people, as well as the freedom we enjoy.
One of the most familiar renditions of Uncle Sam is found on the James Montgomery Flagg recruitment poster used during World War I and World War II. With its now-famous headline, “Uncle Sam Wants You,” this poster urged men and women to help defend our way of life by enlisting in the Armed Forces. Today, the figure of Uncle Sam continues to remind us of the great risks and personal sacrifices endured by generations of Americans in the quest for liberty.
In 1961, the Congress recognized Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York, as the progenitor of this celebrated American symbol. Hardworking and self-reliant, Samuel Wilson was a man of unwavering integrity. He was also an important source of food for the Army during the War of 1812. The marking “U.S.” stamped on casks of meat that his packinghouse prepared for American troops represented “Uncle Sam” to many soldiers and eventually the name was associated with the U.S. Government itself.
During Samuel Wilson’s lifetime, which spanned the exciting years of 1766 to 1854, Americans won our country’s independence; formed a system of self-government under our great Constitution; explored and settled the frontier; and raised the hopes of freedom-loving peoples around the world. Because the character derived from his nickname embodies the proud and industrious spirit of the American people, it is fitting that we pause to remember “Uncle Sam” Wilson and his place in our Nation’s history.
To honor Samuel Wilson on the anniversary of his birth and the occasion of the bicentennial of the City of Troy, New York, the Congress, by Public Law 100-645, has designated September 13, 1989, as “Uncle Sam Day” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event.
Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 13, 1989, as Uncle Sam Day and call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.
GEORGE BUSH (signed—ed.)
Washington Post
Food stamps put Rhode Island town on monthly boom-and-bust cycle
By Eli Saslow,March 16, 2013
(...)
So many people are forced to rely on government support.
The government is forced to support so many people.
The 1st is always circled on the office calendar at International Meat Market, where customers refer to the day in the familiar slang of a holiday. It is Check Day. Milk Day. Pay Day. Mother’s Day.
“Uncle Sam Day,” Pichardo said now, late on Feb. 28, as he watched new merchandise roll off the trucks.
Twitter
Alec MacGillis
@AlecMacGillis
Welcome to the world of the SNAP economy on “Uncle Sam Day”: a great dispatch from Woonsocket, R.I. by @elisaslow: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/food-stamps-put-rhode-island-town-on-monthly-boom-and-bust-cycle/2013/03/16/08ace07c-8ce1-11e2-b63f-f53fb9f2fcb4_story.html …
8:34 AM - 17 Mar 13
Examiner.com
Uncle Sam Day is the new catalyst for many small town economies
MARCH 18, 2013 BY: KENNETH SCHORTGEN JR
Since the beginning of the Great Recession in 2009, and the lack of any true recovery in both jobs and GDP over the last four years, a new type of economy has sprung up in many small and medium sized towns. This economy is based on the calendar day when large numbers of people receive their benefit checks, and is creating a new supply and shipping business model, where bulk food and grocer products are sent to locations on what is commonly known as Uncle Sam Day.