The Story of Uncle Sam
Click to Buy an Uncle Sam Costume
Interested in the Story behind this American icon? Keep Reading!
The story of Uncle Sam dates back from the beginnings of the 19th century, more specifically from the War of 1812 when the United States was fighting the British Empire. The legend says that there was a man called Samuel Wilson, known by people as “Uncle Sam” who was a beef and pork inspector, controlling the meat which was bought by USA.
One contractor purchased some meat bearing the inscriptions E.A (Elbert Anderson) and U.S. (United States). Wilson’s employees’ mistook U.S. for Uncle Sam. The joke extended rapidly and many people starting using this name for addressing the United States government. How much of this story is true nobody knows. What it is known is that Uncle Sam was the figure used for government’s campaigns of recruiting soldiers for the 1812 war.
In fact the first official appearance of Uncle Sam as we know it now was on the banners the government made in order to recruit soldiers for the 1812 War. Many soldiers to be found Uncle Sam a nation to die for and his wish a command for them. Uncle Sam represented Justice, Equality and Freedom, things one should die for.
The image associated with Uncle Sam is inspired by the American flag, featuring a white hat with white stars on a blue background, a pair of white and red stripped pants, white shirt and vest, red bowtie and a tailed blue coat. Uncle Sam had rich eyebrows and a white goatee that gave him a distinctive look. No matter how hard you tried, you just could not forget the look on Uncle Sam’s face. He was tough and imperative, but you could tell that he was good with those who needed help.
Nowadays, Uncle Sam is celebrated, along with the long cherished Independence on the 4th of July. America’s national day is reason for celebration and costume dressing. And what better costume should one wear than the Uncle Sam (or “Aunt Samantha”) costume.
The men willing to dress as Uncle Sam have plenty of costumes available. The costumes you can find on the market are the exact copy of the Uncle Sam outfit which made him famous all over the country. Facial hair matching his looks (wild eyebrows and goatee) is also available for a complete look.
If you do not feel comfortable in making your own Uncle Sam costume, you can always find a nice costume to wear for the 4th of July celebration. Just search the internet and the brick and mortar shops for something that will suit you and will best illustrate your opinion about Uncle Sam. If you are a true American you must dress at least once in an Uncle Sam costume!
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