The concept of a turkey pardoning was first mentioned by president Regan as a joke, but H.W. Bush made it all possible with the following words: “This fine Tom turkey, has been granted a presidential pardon as of right now.”
Turkeys selected for early retirement get to spend the rest of their days at Disneyland—never having to worry about being on anyone’s plate EVER AGAIN.
Turkey Tidbits
President Truman is often mistaken as the first president to pardon a turkey. This common misconception cannot be supported by the Truman Library.
President John F. Kennedy is another president that often receives credit for the first turkey pardoning. This misconception is somewhat true. Kennedy let his turkey go because it was a 55 pound monstrosity declared not fit for any modern oven. The president let the massive bird go stating, "We'll just let this one grow."
Several states have their own pardoning ceremonies.
Benjamin Franklin argued that the turkey, not the eagle, should be America’s symbol. Safe to say, he was not successful.
Gobble. Gobble.
