Presidential Turkey Pardon

Did you know?

Each year since 1947, the National Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board have given a turkey to the President of the United States at a White House ceremony. Since then, presidents have been more likely to eat the turkey rather than give it a reprieve. A notable exception occurred in 1963, when President Kennedy, referring to the turkey given to him, said, "Let's just keep him." It wasn't until the first Thanksgiving of President George H.W. Bush, in 1989, that a turkey was officially pardoned for the first time.

November 23, 2009 Eastern Carolina Turkey To Get Presidential Pardon
The 40-pound gobbler from the Wayne County farm of Bryant and Debbie Worley will be pardoned this week at the White House.