Uncle Sam Day
September 13
The name Uncle Sam is linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied barrels of beef to the United States Army during the War of 1812. Wilson’s barrels were stamped with “U.S.” for United States, but soldiers began referring to the grub as “Uncle Sam’s.” A local newspaper picked up on the story and Uncle Sam eventually gained widespread acceptance as the nickname for the U.S. federal government. At the outset of World War I, graphic artist, James Montgomery Flagg, created the caricature we know as Uncle Sam and subsequently designed a recruiting poster saying “I Want You For The U.S. Army.”
National Bald Is Beautiful Day
September 13
Although hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary and generally begins to grow back within three to six weeks of finishing treatment, the sudden transformation from a full head of hair to none is often a physiological shock. However, through strong support groups and positive public perception, a bald head for a cancer patient is seen as beautiful. Years ago, people covered their baldness with hats, but in current times the head coverings are off and the bald head is chic. September 13th has been designated as the day to let people know bald is beautiful.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Mel Torme – Singer, the Velvet Fog – born in Chicago, Illinois
John J. Pershing – General WWI – born in Laclede, Missouri
