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 Cemetary.
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.
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2012 Schedule of Activities 37th Annual Parade and Celebration
Lansingburgh - Troy New York |
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| Saturday, September 15th |
| 10AM | | The Annual Uncle Sam Gravesite Ceremony
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. |
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| 11AM | | Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year Brunch
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. |
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| Sunday, September 16th |
| 1PM | | Uncle Sam Parade
The parade starts at 1p.m., RAIN or shine. The parade will step Off in Lansingburgh 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. |
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| ------ | | Uncle Sam Festival
Immediately following the parade is a festival in Powers Park at 110th Street in Lansingburgh. The festival features fun and entertainment for the family. |
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| 8PM | | Fireworks Show
Following the Uncle Sam Festival a fireworks show will be displayed. Fireworks provided by Alonzo's Fireworks. |