Please Rise for the Honorable Meleagris Gallopavo
The Presidential Tradition of Pardoning Turkeys
by Sam “GryGhost” Abbott
Pardoning the Presidential White House turkeys has had a bit of a debate of when it was originated and who originator. The official first clemency of a turkey (Lincoln's son's (Tad) pet turkey (Jack)) was granted by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 was documented by White House reporter Noah Brooks in 1865. Abe was a man who really stood for freedom.
White House myth-makers, years later, would claimed that it was Harry Truman that started the tradition. Actually he was the first President to receive a turkey from the poultry and egg board. In this case, both instances are have a ring of truth to them, just slightly different firsts with this event. Different girls clubs and girl scout troops have gotten involved by providing special bedding for the crate and even outfits for the pardoned presidential feathered one. All in all this tradition has given many pleasure over the years and given a nice twist the the Thanksgiving Holiday. My only question is “What was served for dinner?” For the most part it has been a time honored tradition to serve, what else, Turkey. Hope they had the Secret Service drink lots of coffee. Here are some of the pictures of presidents offering their pardons to some lucky birds. Check out the faces our great, fearless leaders of the free world are making. Good thing none of our enemy's nations are ran by turkeys. Gobble, Gobble.
Run Tommy Boy Run!!!!