On the eve of Thanksgivinga peculiar ceremony captures the attention of the American nation: the president of the USAaccompanied by a great of themsays a few words and grants a “pardon”. This gesture, loaded with humor and symbolism, has become a tradition which, although unusual, has historical roots and significant cultural impact.
How did a bird come to star in an event in the White House? The answer lies at the intersection between agricultural customsnational holidays and the evolution of the role presidential in the popular imagination.
He presidential pardon for turkey It has an uncertain origin, but dates back to at least the mid-20th century. Although some trace the practice back to Abraham Lincolnwho in 1863 forgave a of them at the request of his son Tad, there is no evidence that this act was continued in the presidencies later.
The formal establishment of the ceremony is generally attributed to John F. Kennedy. In 1963, after receiving a of them as a gift, the president He decided not to allocate it to the banquet and commented: “We are going to let it grow.” However, the word “pardon” was not used until years later.
It was during the administration of George H. W. Bush in 1989 that the act officially acquired the character of presidential pardon. On that occasion, the president used the term during an official event, and since then, the practice has continued with each leader acting.
The connection between turkeys and the White House precedes the pardon as such. Since the 19th century, gifts from turkeys on the part of farmers and associations to presidents for the celebrations of Thanksgiving. These birds, a symbol of the holiday, were commonly sent as a token of gratitude or as a form of advertising for the donor farms.
In 1947, the National Turkey Federation began to make these gifts official under a campaign that became an annual tradition. This public act allowed the turkeys They had an increasingly prominent presence in American culture and national festivities.
He pardoninitially an improvised or anecdotal act, evolved into a protocol event with broader meanings. Over the years, the presidents They have used the ceremony not only to entertain, but also to send messages of unity and gratitude at a significant time in the American calendar.
Over time, the ceremony has become professional. The turkeys Selected are carefully chosen for their appearance and temperament to meet the requirements of the event. Furthermore, birds are usually accompanied by “substitutes”, in case of unforeseen events.
Currently, the presidential pardon for turkey It is a media spectacle. Held in the gardens of the White Housethe event brings together the pressofficials and an audience that includes children and families.
He of themoften with a funny name chosen by public vote, is presented on a decorative platform. He presidentin a speech that mixes humor with a message of gratitude, formally grants the pardon. After the ceremony, the bird is moved to a farm or sanctuary where he lives the rest of his days, far from the table of Thanksgiving.
He presidential pardon for turkey It has become a cultural phenomenon with wide echo in the media. This event combines elements of humor, entertainment and family traditions, making it attractive to a diverse audience.
TV shows, cartoons and social networks have made this ceremony even more popular, highlighting it as a curiosity of the American politics. In addition, it has become a tool to humanize the figure presidentialby showing the representatives in a relaxed and accessible context.
In recent history, one of the presidential turkey pardons most symbolic occurred in 2023, when the President Joe Biden pardoned two turkeys called “Liberty” and “Campana” on the eve of the Thanksgiving Day. This event coincided with the president’s 81st birthday, which added a personal and significant touch to the ceremony.
Also, in 1987, during the ceremony of the presidential pardon for turkey under the administration of Ronald Reagana moment occurred that would remain as one of the most remembered anecdotes of this tradition. While the president presented the bird, it showed unexpected behavior: it tried to fly in the middle of the event, generating laughter and surprise among the attendees.
To date, the presidents who have pardoned more turkeys They are those who have served two full terms in office, that is, eight years. These presidents son Bill Clinton (1993-2001), George W. Bush (2001-2009) y Barack Obama (2009-2017).
