Uncle Sam

By Ray Lenarcic

Troy meatpacker Sam Wilson probably never imagined that by sending meat rations in barrels stamped with US during the War of 1812, he would become an American icon. Someone equated the US with Uncle Sam, the story gained a life of its own, and soon we had a name to go along with the flag as symbols of our nation. And thanks to a man with the ironic name of James Flagg, the Uncle was given a face. His poster of a man in a top hat, white goatee, pointing forefinger with the “I Want You” caption was incorporated by the government to mobilize popular support and recruit troops during both world wars and remains in use today.

Recalling the evolution of Uncle Sam brought to mind the three-letter word, which, more than any other, defines us as a nation-war. The country was born of war (the Revolution). The wars of the 19th century had the cumulative effect of doubling our size, growing our economy, and preserving, at an exorbitant cost (c.600,000 lives), our union. Our belated involvement in the two world wars allowed us to emerge as the dominant global power, while subsequent conflicts, ill-conceived and poorly choreographed, have had a profound negative impact.

Throughout them all, there has been one constant-the fighting prowess of the American soldier. Regardless of who they were-farmers, merchants, teachers, fishermen, factory workers, etc.-when called to arms, they responded, in the millions, to fight with courage and valor on battlefields from Oriskany to Kandahar Province.

Some served with such distinction as to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. The five Herkimer County recipients included Civil War servicemen Seaman David Bass (Little Falls), an Irish immigrant and blacksmith, and Pvt. Benjamin Gifford from Mohawk; West Point grad 1st Lieut. Frank West (Mohawk) during the Indian Wars; Technical Sgt. Forrest Vosler (Poland)- World War II-the second enlisted airman to ever receive the award.

The saga of the fifth, 1st Lieut. Walter J. Will from West Winfield is the stuff of which legends are made. On March 30, 1945, near Eiser, Germany, he performed acts of bravery that would have made Audie Murphy proud. Despite being wounded, under fire, he rescued three of his men, then single-handedly took out four machine gun nests, capturing one’s entire nine-man crew. Later, he was killed while leading his men in a charge that broke the enemy’s ranks. All told, in addition to the CM of H, he received a Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and two Purple Hearts.

As we gather to celebrate the Fourth, let’s also celebrate the lives of all the men and women the nation over whose sacrifices were indicative of the degree to which Americans are prepared to go in the service of their country. And take time today to thank the veterans you know for their service; the men and women who looked at Flagg’s poster and thought-he must mean me.

Sam Wilson was revered as a man of great fairness, reliability, and honesty who was devoted to his country. Perhaps the best present we can give our Uncle Sam on his 247th birthday is to embrace and live those qualities and teach each one to our children and grandchildren. In the process, we’ll help guarantee that the America of tomorrow will be better than the America of today. Happy Birthday, USA!

I want to thank Dave Warner for publishing my essays and you, the readers, for your kind thoughts and messages. God Bless and Stay Well.