Have you ever heard of the presidential turkey pardon? This is a tradition dating back to the 19th century. George H.W. Bush was the first official pardon in 1989. Each year, the president will pardon 1-2 turkeys. The ceremony typically takes place on the White House lawn or in the Rose Garden. The turkeys have a whole ceremony to celebrate the pardoning. The president gives a speech and then officially pardons the turkeys.
After the ceremony, the turkeys are normally sent to a nearby farm, university, or sanctuaries to live out the rest of their days.
We interviewed 7th grade ELA teacher Mrs. O’Dell, who is also doing a project on the presidential turkey pardon. We asked if she thought the tradition of pardoning the turkey was a good tradition and if it should be continued. “I really like that tradition, I’m not one for plating the turkey,” stated Mrs. O’Dell.
The ceremony reflects a mix of tradition, and humor, with each president adding their unique touch to the event and a little bit of its history, have a good Thanksgiving.
