President Biden Pardons Two Turkeys in Annual Thanksgiving Tradition

This week, President Joe Biden continued a long-standing Thanksgiving tradition by “pardoning” two turkeys named Gobble and Waddle. The ceremony took place at the White House, where the birds were granted a reprieve from becoming a holiday meal. Following the event, they will return to North Carolina State University, where they will live out their days, a practice that has become a hallmark of the season.

The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back to the late 19th century when live birds were often presented to American presidents. Initially, these turkeys were intended for consumption, leading to memorable incidents, including a notable event in 1940 when a Texas A&M student hitchhiked 2,000 miles to deliver a turkey to the White House. The bird made headlines when it escaped in a hotel and caused a ruckus before ultimately being presented to the president.

The modern practice of turkey pardoning gained prominence in 1947, spearheaded by the National Turkey Federation. The federation presented the first turkey to President Harry S. Truman during a period marked by a poultry industry protest against a government initiative called “Poultryless Thursdays.” This initiative aimed to conserve grain in the wake of World War II. In response, the turkey federation gifted Truman a 47-pound turkey, forever changing the symbolism of the event.

While President John F. Kennedy made a comment in 1963 that could be interpreted as a pardon, it was not officially recognized as such. Kennedy stated, “We’ll just let this one grow,” while looking at a turkey designated for dinner. The Los Angeles Times later referred to this moment as a “presidential pardon,” setting a precedent for future ceremonies.

The term “pardon” was first formally used by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, albeit in a light-hearted context. During a presentation of a turkey named Charlie, Reagan deflected a question about the Iran-Contra scandal by joking about the fate of the turkey. He remarked that if the turkey had given him a different answer about its future, he would have pardoned it.

In 1989, President George H.W. Bush officially formalized the pardoning tradition, declaring, “[L]et me assure you and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table.” He designated the turkey to live out its days on a children’s farm, marking a significant shift in how the ceremony was perceived.

As this year’s turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, prepare for their new lives, they symbolize not only the spirit of Thanksgiving but also the evolution of a unique American tradition. Through decades of humor and history, the annual turkey pardon has become a cherished moment in the holiday calendar, bringing attention to agriculture while providing a light-hearted connection to the nation’s past.