CELEBRATING SAM
Community events share legacy of meat packer who became face of a nation
TROY, N. Y. » Samuel Wilson would turn 251 on Wednesday, and this weekend, the man better known as Uncle Sam was celebrated at three different events in his hometown.
The Miss Uncle Sam pageant kicked off the celebration Friday night, followed by the Citizen of the Year brunch Saturday and capped off Sunday with an all- out birthday celebration in Powers Park.
Wilson was a 19th- century butcher who reputedly became known as Uncle Sam because he stamped “U. S.” on the barrels of meat he shipped to troops during the War of 1812. He later became the tophat- wearing caricature of America in editorial cartoons and later military recruiting posters.
Margaret “Peggy” Kownack, who led the committee that organized the celebration and is a U. S. Army veteran, said Wilson is an example of how one person can contribute and make a difference.
“When things happen, you have to step forward. That’s the example Sam Wilson gave us,” said Kownack, who is also running for a seat on the City Council. “We want to teach the next generation that being civically responsible is very important,” said Kownack. “Being involved, understanding what’s going on in the world, reading about elections and the voting process and being an educated voter, these are all things that were important to Sam Wilson, and that’s what we’re trying to commemorate.”
The block party- style celebration was first organized in 2016 after the annual Uncle Sam Birthday Parade was disbanded after four decades. Sunday’s event included food vendors, music and activities for children.
Kevin Hogan brought his food truck, Munchville, to Troy Flea all summer and said he couldn’t pass up an opportunity to support veterans and Uncle Sam on Sunday afternoon.
“A lot of people don’t know it,” said Hogan. “They forget about who, why this city was founded. That’s what Uncle Sam is all about.”
Aside from food, music and games, people could learn all about Uncle Sam.
“It’s the historical connection and educating the next generation,” said Konack. “The further away you get from something, the more difficult it is to get that next generation to understand and appreciate the importance of it. This is our way of making sure those that come behind us can appreciate Uncle Sam and the patriotism and civic responsibility.”
Sunday was a communitywide event, exactly as Konack had hoped.
“The community needs to be reconnected, and this is the perfect kind of thing to do that,” said Konack.