The Tradition of Turkey Pardoning

Jacob·

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presidential turkey pardon

The Presidential Turkey Pardon is a quirky and lighthearted tradition that occurs annually at the White House just before Thanksgiving. It involves the President of the United States officially pardoning a live turkey, sparing it from becoming a holiday meal. The tradition can be traced back to President Lincoln, who allegedly spared a turkey at the request of his son. It evolved over the years, with President John F. Kennedy initiating a more informal practice, and President George H.W. Bush formally establishing the tradition we know today in 1989. Each year, the National Turkey Federation selects a flock of turkeys, and the public often gets to vote on names for the chosen turkeys. After the ceremony, the pardoned turkeys retire to live peacefully at various locations, including Virginia Tech. The event symbolizes values of mercy and goodwill, providing a lighthearted moment for the President to connect with the public during the Thanksgiving season.