Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York2026 · Date · History
New York Executive Law §168-a designates September 13 in each year as “Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York” and expressly provides that a day of commemoration is not a holiday or half-holiday.
About Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York
Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York is a statutory day of commemoration observed each year on September 13.
New York Executive Law §168-a expressly states that a day of commemoration is not a holiday or half-holiday.
Why Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York matters
The New York statute sets aside September 13 for recognition and special honor under the state’s commemorative-day framework.
The observance is associated with the American personification Uncle Sam, but the Library of Congress notes that the origin of the name is disputed even though Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York is commonly associated with it.
History of Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York
New York Executive Law §168-a lists September 13 in each year as “Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York.”
The same statute defines days of commemoration as recognition days and explicitly says they do not constitute holidays or half-holidays.
Library of Congress material says the origins of Uncle Sam are disputed and that the name is usually associated with Samuel Wilson, a War of 1812-era supplier from Troy.
The reviewed sources do not establish the original enactment date of this particular New York designation, its first recurring observance, or an official statutory explanation for choosing September 13.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
7 fields not established in reviewed sources
Also known as
Uncle Sam Day, Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York
How to Observe Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York
Use September 13 for the New York statutory commemoration.
Explore primary sources, museums or library material about the Uncle Sam symbol and its changing uses.
When telling the Samuel Wilson story, present it as a commonly associated tradition rather than settled proof of the symbol’s origin.
Do not describe the day as a New York public holiday, bank holiday or automatic day off.
Respect copyright and collection-use rules when reproducing historic posters or archival images.
Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York Facts
The date is September 13 each year.
The designation appears in New York Executive Law §168-a.
The law says a day of commemoration is not a holiday or half-holiday.
The Library of Congress describes the origin of Uncle Sam as disputed.
The reviewed sources do not establish the first recurring edition or the statute’s exact September 13 rationale.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
New York State Senate — Executive Law §168-a (opens in a new tab)
State Law
Library of Congress — John Bull and Uncle Sam introduction (opens in a new tab)
National Library History
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York?
13 September The documented recurrence rule is: 13 September each year..
Does Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York an official public holiday?
Within the reviewed scope, it is identified as New York State, United States / statutory commemorative day. That status is not automatically extended to other countries or jurisdictions.
Who established or recognizes Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York?
The reviewed sources identify New York State Legislature as the proclaiming or establishing body.
Is Uncle Sam Day in the State of New York international or country-specific?
This observance is specific to United States. Its fuller verified scope is: New York State, United States / statutory commemorative day.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-24.
When is Uncle Sam Day in New York?
It is designated for September 13 each year.
Is Uncle Sam Day a public holiday in New York?
No. Executive Law §168-a expressly says a day of commemoration does not constitute a holiday or half-holiday.
Is Uncle Sam definitely based on Samuel Wilson?
Samuel Wilson is commonly associated with the name, but Library of Congress material says the origin is disputed.
Why did New York choose September 13?
The reviewed statutory and historical sources confirm the date but do not establish an official statutory rationale for choosing it.
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