Did you know the likeness of Uncle Sam, the guy in the top hat with the pointy finger telling you to do stuff for America, was actually based on a guy from Arlington, Massachusetts? Samuel Wilson is said to be the inspiration for Uncle Sam. Arlington - the same town in the Commonwealth that doesn't allow liquor stores or bars - is home to the most iconic face in US history. How much does that suck? Wilson's nickname of "Uncle Sam" came from his job as a meat-packer during the War of 1812. He would send crates of meat to soliders on the front lines with the "U.S." (for United States) stamped on the front, and the soliders joked it was from their Uncle Sam. I know, comedy was tough to come by in 1812. The nickname of Uncle Sam caught on for Wilson, as more and more supply crates were labeled "U.S.". So the likeness of Uncle Sam, who implores you to join the armed forces, wasn't even a solider - he was a meat packer! Well we are the most obese country in the world. On that note, enjoy the 4th of July!
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