Everyone's heard of the annual presidential turkey pardon. But to you know the reason behind this yearly traditio?
Turkeys are big domesticated birds that are native to North America. They have bald heads and for males they have red wattles or flop of skin on their head. Since they're native to North Americans, these birds are always present on the tables of each American home during Thanksgiving and Christmas. But every year the president spares one turkey from ending up on the dinner table. Earlier, the annual presidential turkey pardon was done at the White House, who was done by President Obama.
According to NPR, the president said though that he was a bit puzzled why he does it every year, but nevertheless enjoys it. He said that it's a good way to lighten the mood around his office and just simply say 'Happy Thanksgiving'.
During the annual event, he was accompanied by his family. The president even cracked dad jokes. It was a great and light sight to witness at the White House.
But the history behind the turkey pardons is quite strange and sad. And because not all know a whole lot about this tradition, here are some facts that will enlighten us.
1. Origin of the turkey
The turkey to be given a presidential pardon is taken from different farms every year. for this year though the bird came from a turkey farm in Modesto, California. Two turkeys were chosen and were given ceremonial names, Honest and Abe.
3. What started it all
It was said that during the administration of President Harry Truman in 1947 this tradition started. Truman was the first president to receive a ceremonial turkey. The purpose of the gift is to retain the image of the bird as Thanksgiving and Christmas staple. However Truman decided not to cook the ceremonial turkey and to spare him of his fate.
There are other accounts that say sparing of turkeys from being cooked happened before this at the White House. While many are arguing on which is the right account, one thing remains true it was George H.W. Bush that formaized the pardoning which made it a modern-day tradition.
4. What happens after the pardon
After the turkeys are pardoned they are sent to Virginia, to a farm where a former governer raised his own turkeys. The pardoned turkeys though don't live very long and out of all the turkeys that were pardoned, only two are still alive.
This year, President Obama pardoned Honest which he desiganted as TOTUS, The Turkey and The United States, and Abe who he said will step up if Honest couldn't fulfill his duties.
It's a one good way to end and to start the year - with a smile plastered on everyone's faces. Thanskgiving will never be thanksgiving without turkey.
