Beginning in 1976, the Uncle Sam Parade and Celebration has grown tremendously having thousands attend every year. The parade is one of several events marking Samual Wilson’s birthday, which was Sept 13, 1766. Wilson was the Troy meatpacker and Massachusetts native who many believe was the inspiration for the Uncle Sam figure. Supporters of the Wilson story say he became associated with Uncle Sam when he stamped the initials “U.S.” on barrels of meat he supplied to American forces in the war of 1812. Seeing the initials, soldiers began referring to Wilson as Uncle Sam. Samual Wilson died in 1854 and is buried in Troy’s Oakwood Cemetery.

The annual Uncle Sam Parade and Celebration, however, is more than just your everyday parade. It’s a celebration of patriotism and citizen recognition. The two day event includes an annual graveside ceremony at the grave of Samual Wilson, the annual ‘Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year Banquet‘, and immediately following the parade a celebration at the Knickerbacker Park. Park festivities include food, entertainment and the culmination of a spectacular fire works show at dusk.

By an Act of the 87th Congress of the United States, the following resolution was adopted on September 15, 1961. “Resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Congress salutes “Uncle Sam” Wilson of Troy, New York as the progenitor of America’s National symbol of “Uncle Sam.”  This Statue of Uncle Sam is Located in downtown Troy on the Corner of River Street and Front Street.

2010 Schedule of Activities for the 35th Annual Parade and Celebration:

Saturday, September 11th

The Annual Uncle Sam Gravesite Ceremony at 10am

An annual ceremony by the Veterans of Lansingburgh will be held at the grave of Samual Wilson. Admission is FREE. Samual Wilson died in 1854 and is buried in Troy’s Oakwood Cemetary. For more information contact the Veterans of Lansingburgh (518) 233-8656.

Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year Brunch at 11am

Open to the public. The brunch will be held at the Veterans of Lansingbugh Club 777 First Avenue. Tickets can be purchased at the door. For more information contact John Rustin at (518) 235-0615.

Sunday, September 12th

Uncle Sam Parade at 1pm

The parade starts at 1p.m., RAIN or shine. The parade will step off from 125th Street and Fifth Avenue and ends at 106th street. The parade will feature a march from local schools, organizations and some military outfits.

Uncle Sam Celebration

Immediately following the parade a celebration at the Knickerbacker Park on 103rd Street and 8th Avenue will feature fun and entertainment for the family (rides for kids, chicken barbaque, our Elvis impersonator – Don Romines, and the Duanesburg sky divers).

Fireworks Show at 8pm

Following the Uncle Sam Celebration a fireworks show will be displayed at the Knickerbacker Park. Fireworks provided by Alonzo’s Fireworks.

Photo Courtesy of City of Troy