#3: Uncle Sam
Allow me to introduce you to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, whose name is intricately linked to the iconic personification of the United States known as “Uncle Sam.” Back in the War of 1812, Samuel provided the military with barrels of beef, and he did something quite interesting—he stamped those barrels with a simple “U.S.,” signifying that these goods belonged to the government.
Fast-forward to the First World War, and Uncle Sam takes center stage in a memorable U.S. Army recruitment poster. In this vivid portrayal, Uncle Sam commands attention, pointing his finger assertively at the viewer and rallying young men to join the noble cause of the war effort. It’s a testament to how one man’s simple act of labeling can evolve into a powerful emblem of national identity.