"Wake Up, America!" WWI Sheet Music, Page 2

Sheet music for "Wake Up America!", the second of two pages. Sheet music for "Wake Up America!", including a cover image of Uncle Sam preparing for war. Written in 1916 by George Graff, Jr. and composed by Jack Glogau, the sheet music for “Wake Up, America!” featured Uncle Sam putting ships to sea as marching soldiers advance behind him. The song referenced George Washington and Valley Forge, invoking duty and honor at a moment when the nation debated entering the war.
Following the U.S. on April 6, 1917, New York City hosted “Wake Up America! Day” on April 19 – the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord. The city-wide event combined parades, speeches, performances, and fundraising efforts, while also supporting international relief for war-torn France and Belgium.
Although the event did not immediately produce mass enlistment, it helped build momentum for the war effort. By April 28, Congress passed the Selective Service Act, authorizing the draft for men aged 21 to 30.