The FReeper Foxhole Profiles Uncle Sam - August 29th, 2004

see educational sources

[snippy_about_it]

Lord,

Keep our Troops forever in Your care

Give them victory over the enemy...

Grant them a safe and swift return...

Bless those who mourn the lost.
.

FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer
for all those serving their country at this time.


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Cultural Icon of the Early Republic



Uncle Sam

Who was Uncle Sam?

While no one is actually sure of his origins, Uncle Sam has been with us since the early 1800s. In all likelihood, he was the hybrid of two different beginnings.

The name "Uncle Sam" appears to have been given to a man named Samuel Wilson, who slaughtered and supplied large amounts of meat to the newly formed United States Army. His shipping crates carried the stamp "U.S." which someone, jokingly or otherwise, suggested stood for "Uncle Sam" Wilson, and this nickname came to symbolize the Federal Government.



While Sam Wilson may have been the source of the name "Uncle Sam," he was not the inspiration of the image. For one thing, Wilson was clean-shaven while the caricatures of Uncle Sam all show a man with a white beard. The creator of the image of Uncle Sam, as we know him, was Thomas Nast, a nineteenth century political cartoonist who started drawing the star-spangled red-white-and-blue-suited symbol of American identity.

Uncle Sam was not the only character Nast drew. His other character, dressed similarly, was "Brother Jonathan" or Yankee Doodle. The difference in the two characters was pronounced, though: Brother Jonathan always was depicted clean-shaven and with a feather in his cap; Uncle Sam always appeared with the beard and often with top hat.



Although first appearing in 1838 in the Nast illustrations, the most common image of the elder statesman of America is the World War I poster drawn by James Montgomery Flagg for Army Recruitment with the caption "I WANT YOU!"



No matter what Uncle Sam's roots may be, he has become a symbol, recognized throughout the world, of American resolve, strength and determination.

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FReeper Foxhole Armed Services Links

[snippy_about_it]

I bet!

[Darksheare]

It was horrible.
Especially for a sleepy Sunday.

[Soaring Feather]

You're welcome.

[GailA]

Well it's been a quite day here in Memphis, and I hope it stays that way. Now if the Shelby Co GOP would get their act together and get the HQ opened up for volunteers, I'd be there.

[snippy_about_it]

They should be getting ready, not much time to go really!

[SAMWolf]

Evening Darksheare. Better late than never. :-)

[SAMWolf]

However, people were looking to the sky with anxiety, when suddenly clouds formed a lovely big lamb with a very graphic details like eyes, ears, legs, tail, etc.

I like to think it was a sign.

[Darksheare]

LOL!
Agreed!

[Samwise]

Hidee hoe, everyone. I just got my copy of Unfit for Command. I have to tell you, the cover is even scarier than on the Internet. The talking heads may be pro-Kerry, but the photojournalists sure aren't. LOL

[Samwise]

I like the way you respond. :^)

[Samwise]

We need to set up some sort of counseling hotline. FR withdrawal is terrible.

[Darksheare]

LOL!
True.
But what should we have as the hotline, what would it say, and who'd be on the phones?
Hmm..
Ponderment.

[Professional Engineer]

I do like to hear Taps at the end of the day, but it's gut wrenching as part of a funeral.

[Professional Engineer]

Your welcome miss Feather. I'm sorry for the tears.

[Soaring Feather]

Oh PE, tears are healing rains.

[PhilDragoo]

[weldgophardline]

Sorry I've not been in the foxhole in awhile. We have been so busy with the support the troop float in local parades the last month.The float has received so far two first place awards and two second place awards in 5 parades that we have put it in. We have one more next month to do. The crowds really like what we have done and it is a pleasure to see the looks from the crowds. We want to thank all the Veterans and current Troops for what they have done for this great country.

[Professional Engineer]

Forgive my ignorance, but whose sword is that?