Every year during Thanksgiving, one of the peculiar traditions that captures the World’s attention is the Presidential Turkey Pardon. This whimsical ceremony, where the President of the United States grants clemency to a lucky turkey, has become a lighthearted and anticipated event.
Hailing from Willmar, Minnesota, Liberty, weighing 42.5 pounds, and Bell, a svelte 42.1 pounds, escaped the “fowl” fate of ending up on anyone’s Thanksgiving dinner plate this year because of the pardon.
Liberty and Bell were hatched as part of the presidential flock in July — and were prepped for their turn in the spotlight with some hype-up music so the noise and festivities didn’t ruffle their feathers, said National Turkey Federation President Steve Lykken at a news conference Sunday.
“I can confirm they are in fact Swifties, and they do enjoy some Prince,” Lykken said.
The two traveled in style from Minnesota, driven in their own personal vehicle to D.C. ahead of Monday’s event.
After their pardon, it’s all gravy for Liberty and Bell. The two will return to the University of Minnesota and the College of Food, Ag and National Resource Sciences to rest their feathers and live out the rest of their post-pardon lives.
But how did the tradition start and who was the first president to pardon a turkey?
The national Thanksgiving turkey presentation has been observed since 1947, according to the National Turkey Federation. So, before you dig into your bird this holiday season, here’s a primer on its annual pardoning.
The Quirky Tradition:
The annual Turkey Pardon, a light-hearted and symbolic gesture, takes place in the White House Rose Garden. The sitting President is presented with two turkeys, usually named and sometimes themed, and “pardons” one of them, sparing it from the Thanksgiving dinner table. The pardoned turkey is then sent to live out its days on a farm or a designated location, marking a whimsical departure from the typical fate of Thanksgiving turkeys.
The Origins of the Turkey Pardon:
The origins of the turkey pardon are often traced back to the early 20th century, but the tradition in its current form gained popularity in the 1980s. The first documented turkey presented to the President was in 1873 when Horace Vose, a Rhode Island poultry farmer, gifted a turkey to President Ulysses S. Grant. However, the notion of officially pardoning a turkey began with President George H.W. Bush in 1989.
Symbolism and Good Humor:
The presidential turkey pardon is a playful yet symbolic gesture that reflects the President’s sense of humor and offers a moment of levity amid the serious responsibilities of the office. It also serves as a reminder of the gratitude associated with Thanksgiving, as the President acknowledges the abundance and blessings of the season.
Public Engagement and Tradition:
The presidential turkey pardon has evolved into a highly publicized event, with the American people eagerly awaiting the President’s decision each year. Social media, news outlets, and even the turkeys themselves (thanks to playful names and themes) contribute to the festive atmosphere surrounding the ceremony. The event has become an endearing tradition that showcases a lighter side of the nation’s leadership.
The Turkeys’ Fate:
While the pardoned turkey steals the spotlight, its companion is not entirely left out. Both turkeys are typically sent to a farm or facility where they live out the rest of their lives in comfort, avoiding the typical Thanksgiving fate. This aspect of the tradition aligns with the broader themes of compassion and kindness associated with the holiday season.
