History of the Thanksgiving turkey pardon: When the White House began the long-held holiday tradition
The White House turkey pardoning ceremony is a long-held Thanksgiving tradition that has been formalized for 77 years. This tradition traces its origins back to the 1800s when it was customary for the sitting president to be gifted a turkey as a festive gesture. Several presidents even hinted that the bird would be featured on their holiday menu.
However, in recent decades, sitting presidents have launched a new tradition of “pardoning” the turkey, essentially sparing its life and ensuring it will spend the remainder of its time on a farm. The turkey is brought to Washington, D.C., during the week of Thanksgiving, gets a room at the five-star Willard Hotel, and is eventually “pardoned” by the president. The history of when exactly the pardon began is a bit tricky, as described by the Obama White House archives.
According to the George Bush national archives, former President Lincoln spared the life of the Thanksgiving turkey upon a request from his son, Tad Lincoln. The White House turkey was again spared in 1947 when former President Truman began an annual tradition of the animal being gifted by the National Turkey Federation. However, the Truman Library and Museum could not find any documents or records confirming this event.
In 1963, former President Kennedy also decided to spare the life of that year’s Thanksgiving turkey, saying “we’ll just let this one grow.” Former President Reagan informally pardoned the turkey during the ceremony in 1987, pointing at the bird and saying he would “pardon him” instead of individuals involved in the Iran-Contra affair.
It wasn’t until 1989 when former President George H. W. Bush officially presented the turkey with a presidential “pardon,” starting an annual tradition that has been honored ever since. Since Bush, every president has participated in the turkey pardoning ceremony as part of the White House Thanksgiving week celebration.
President Biden has been pardoning two turkeys for the last three years. He participated in the 77th annual turkey pardon on Monday, the last one of his presidency, sparing “Peach” and “Blossom” in the Rose Garden on the South Lawn of the White House. During the ceremony, Biden expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president and announced his plans to celebrate Thanksgiving with members of the Coast Guard and their families in Staten Island, New York.
Some critics, such as animal rights group Farm Sanctuary, have called the tradition “little more than a photo op.” However, presidents and spectators have enjoyed the ceremony as a fun event for the holidays. The White House turkey pardoning ceremony is a beloved tradition that brings joy and laughter to the holiday season.
