National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation

Peas 2018 Pardoned Turkey

National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is an annual event that takes place at the White House shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday. During this event, the President of the United States is presented with a live domestic turkey by the National Turkey Federation. Traditionally, the president grants a "pardon" to the turkey, sparing it from being slaughtered for Thanksgiving dinner. This tradition has become a symbolic gesture of clemency and has been part of American Thanksgiving celebrations since the 20th century.

History

The origins of the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation can be traced back to the 1940s. However, the practice of pardoning the turkey was not formalized until the presidency of George H.W. Bush in 1989. Before this, turkeys were given to the president as gifts by poultry farmers seeking to promote turkey meat. These turkeys were typically consumed at the president's Thanksgiving feast. The event has evolved over the years from a simple presentation to a national media event, reflecting changes in societal attitudes towards animals and the holiday itself.

Ceremony

The ceremony typically takes place in the Rose Garden or the White House lawn, where the president, accompanied by family members and the press, officially pardons the turkey. The pardoned turkey is then sent to live out its days at a farm or a historical estate such as Mount Vernon. In recent years, the names of the turkeys have been chosen through social media contests and public votes, adding an interactive element to the tradition.

Significance

The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation has become more than just a quirky tradition; it symbolizes the start of the holiday season in the United States. It also reflects the nation's love for ceremonies and the importance of Thanksgiving as a time for gratitude and family gatherings. Moreover, the event draws attention to the turkey farming industry and American agriculture, highlighting the role of farming in the country's history and economy.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its popularity, the event has faced criticism from animal rights groups who argue that it makes light of the mass slaughter of turkeys for Thanksgiving. Critics also point out that the pardoned turkeys, bred for consumption, often live short lives after the ceremony due to health problems caused by their rapid growth.

Recent Years

In recent years, the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation has continued to capture the public's imagination, with each president putting their own spin on the tradition. The event is covered extensively by the media and is used as an opportunity for the president to deliver messages of hope, unity, and thanksgiving to the American people.