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''National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation''' is a ceremony that takes place at the White House every year. The President of the United States is presented with a live turkey. Generally, the National Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board are involved. For many years, the president has granted the turkey a "presidential pardon". The turkey is then taken to a farm where it may live out the rest of its natural life. For many years, the turkeys were sent to Frying Pan Park in Fairfax County, Virginia. Starting In 2005, the pardoned turkeys have been sent to live in Disneyland.
Since the ceremony is informal and lighthearted, coming only a few weeks after the intense election season most years, it is unknown how many turkeys have been pardoned by presidents. Many presidents, such as President Richard Nixon, have managed to avoid the ceremony. It is widely held that the tradition began in 1947 with President Harry Truman.
President Truman is presented with a turkey
Although President Truman was presented with numerous turkeys during the month of November during his two terms, no documents, speeches, newspaper clippings, photographs, or other contemporary records are known to exist that specify that he ever "pardoned" a turkey. Presidential turkey pardoning could in fact be a whole lot older. During the 2001 ceremony, President George W. Bush relayed a story in which President Abraham Lincoln pardoned his son's turkey, claiming this was in fact the tradition's origin, although this could easily be a Bushism.
So know youve heard the story and the outcome of the pardoned turkeys. However if the pardon turkey could speak just what would he say? I believe he would first begin by saying this
What was my crime to begin with I havent broken any laws I just happened to be born to the bird family known to be the main course of Americans who every year celebrate a day of thanksgiving. I am being pardoned from the oven however; my siblings must take the heat for me. How do you expect me to live freely after being freed for the only reason being someones idea of tradition?
Yes but of course turkeys cannot speak or ponder on the issue of being pardoned. It just seems if our president can pardon turkeys, he could find it in his heart to pardoned criminals on death row. These human lives would understand and appreciate their lives being spared a lot better than a turkey could.
» left by Susan Thom(9,201) Susan Thom (1 year 68 days ago.)
hi david, i never knew this turkey pardoning occurred. but, since all's going so well in the world, why not, right? how about the people in new orleans, who are still suffering, and without homes? i guess they got pardoned, too? good article, i like you're style of writing. best regards, sue thom
» left by Hannah Quinn(20,007) Hannah Quinn (1 year 50 days ago.)
David
As an Aussie, I have never heard of turkey pardoning. Touche on the ending. Your article is a good one, and I like the final punch.
Hannah Respond to this comment
» left by robert melaccio sr (1 year 49 days ago.)
David, a really good light hearted article. But I just haad a thought, what do we do with all the Turkeys in Congress? Best wishes for the holiday, RTM Respond to this comment
» left by David Tanguay(7,939) David Tanguay (1 year 49 days ago.)
Well Mr. Melaccio, I don't believe all those turkeys in congress would taste as good as what we are use to. Those political turkeys are useless, we could function better without them don't you think? Respond to this comment
» left by jamespkrehbiel from scottsdale (1 year 49 days ago.)
David,
Nicely done. I say what about that turkey President of ours and the REAL PARDON given to cover up administration corruption. Happy thanksgiving!
» left by David Tanguay(7,939) David Tanguay (1 year 48 days ago.)
Well James, if all the facts were brought out into the open about the president's true role while in office. he would truly need a pardon. By the people not by another politician succeeding him. Respond to this comment
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