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James Montgomery Flagg created the iconic illustration of
Uncle Sam.
Flagg, an illustrator and portrait artist best known for
his commercial art, contributed 46 works in support of the war effort during
World War I. Leslie's Weekly first published his illustration of Uncle Sam as
the cover of the July 6, 1916, issue with the title "What Are You Doing
for Preparedness?"
More than four million copies were printed between 1917
and 1918. The image also was used extensively during World War II.
In 1961, Congress passed a resolution that officially
recognized meat packer Samuel Wilson (1766-1854) as Uncle Sam's namesake.
Wilson, who supplied meat to the army during the War of 1812, is reputed to
have been a man of great fairness, reliability, and honesty who was devoted to
his country.
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