The White House turkey pardon ceremony is a long-standing Thanksgiving tradition that was officially established 77 years ago, and its origins go back even further decades.
Since the 1800s, it has been customary for sitting presidents to receive a turkey as a celebratory gesture, and several presidents have hinted that it will appear on their holiday menus.
But in recent decades, sitting presidents have instituted a new tradition of “pardoning” the birds, essentially sparing their lives and ensuring they spend the rest of their time on farms.
The turkey is taken to Washington, D.C., during Thanksgiving week, gets a room at the five-star Willard Hotel, and ultimately receives a “pardon” from the president. But as the Obama White House archives explain, the history of when exactly pardons began “gets complicated.”
Retailer Announces 'No Inflation' Thanksgiving Dinner Deal
President George H.W. Bush participates in the National Thanksgiving Turkey Announcement and Pardon held in the White House Rose Garden. (HUM image)
Former President Lincoln saved the Thanksgiving turkey at the request of his son Tad Lincoln, according to the George Bush National Archives.
The White House turkey was rescued again in 1947 when former President Truman started the tradition of giving the animal as an annual gift from the National Turkey Federation.
However, the Truman Library and Museum notes that “Documents, speeches, newspaper clippings, photographs, and other contemporary records referring to Truman pardoning turkeys received as gifts in 1947 or at any other time are in our possession.'' It was not found in any items.” during his presidency. ”
Sandra Lee reveals why Thanksgiving turkey isn't always good
In 1963, former President Kennedy decided to save the life of that year's Thanksgiving turkey, saying, “Let's let this turkey grow.''
First Lady Melania Trump watches as President Trump pardons the National Thanksgiving Turkey “Corn” during a traditional ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on November 24, 2020. (Chip Somodevilla)
Former President Ronald Reagan did so privately at a 1987 ceremony. Asked by reporters about the possibility of pardoning those involved in the Iran-Contra scandal, President Reagan pointed to the turkey and said instead, “I'll pardon them.”
But it wasn't until 1989 that former President George H.W. Bush formally granted the turkey a presidential “pardon,” and the annual tradition has been honored in the decades since. .
“Let me assure you and this fine Tom Turkey that this man is not and will not be on anyone's table. He has been granted a presidential pardon at this time and is spending his days on a children's farm not far from here. '' Bush said in 1989.
Since the Bush administration, every president has participated in a turkey pardon ceremony as part of the White House Thanksgiving Week celebrations.
President Biden has pardoned two turkeys over the past three years. On Monday, he participated in the 77th turkey pardon, the last of his presidential term, saving Peach and Blossom from the Rose Garden on the South Lawn of the White House.
On November 25, 2009, President Obama pardons a turkey named “Courage” on the north portico of the White House. (Alex Wong)
“This event marks the official start of the holiday season here in Washington. It is also the last time I will speak here as president during the season,” Biden said at the ceremony. “This has been the honor of my life. Today, my wife Jill and I will be on Staten Island, New York, for a 'friendship' with Coast Guard members and their families to show our gratitude. I am forever grateful to travel. Like my son, for their service and sacrifice. ”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Some critics, including animal rights group Farm Sanctuary, have called the tradition “nothing more than a photo op.”
But the president and the audience enjoy the ceremony as a fun holiday event.
