I didn't know that !!

I had an e-mail last evening telling the story of how 'Uncle Sam' got his name. We have seen dozens of pictures of Uncle Sam and just accepted them without thought, or at least I did. The story goes that Samuel Wilson, a meat packer of Troy, New York supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during 1812. Each barrel was stamped with "U.S." but the soldiers referred to the grub as "Uncle Sam's. " The newsmen picked up the story and the nickname had wide spread acceptance

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About this time a German born cartoonist by the name of Thomas Nast eventually gave Sam his white beard and a stripped suit, and he also gave us the donkey for the Democrats and the elephant for the Republicans, symbols he lampooned and actually brought down New York's Tammany Hall with his work bring about the down fall of Boss Tweed.

This particular image of Uncle Same pointing his finger, was created by James Montgomery Flagg (1877-1960) .

September of 1961 the U.S. Congress recognized Sam Wilson "the progenitor of the American National Symbol, of Uncle Sam ". Sam Wilson and his wife Betsy Mann Wilson were buried in Oakwood cemetery in Troy, New York, a town that calls itself "The Home of Uncle Sam." I love history and learn something new every day. Imagine how many posters we have looked at over the years and never gave thought to where they originated from or who was the artist that thought up Uncle Sam. From this little bit of history we learn that three artists took part in creating different posters but it was Sam Wilson who came up with the original one. It would be interesting to see the entire collection of the different posters, um . . . I wonder if there is a book out on them, if you see one let me know.

So today, be patient with yourself and make up with any family or friend if you have had a slight tiff or misunderstanding with them, clear the air, accept their apology or give yours and let the 'good times roll' so you can enjoy each other. Put your face in the poster of Uncle Sam and let them know that you really do want them in your lives, warts and all, and you want to be accepted the same way. It is Saturday, all day, so enjoy the weather, rain or shine, but get out as you have been cooped up all week, and make today a silly one and dance in the rain, the leaves, or the sunshine. Hugs to all.