President George Washington issued a proclamation that set into place a day of public thanksgiving, which has morphed into the time-honored tradition that it is today. 

Starting in the 1940s, a new tradition was created at the White House, a cool photo op where a big Turk was delivered to the President. 

IN 1989, President George H.W. Bush took it next level, and when he was presented with a 50-pound turkey in the Rose Garden on November 17, he began a new tradition; he granted a pardon to the big bird. 

He commented that the turkey appeared to be “understandably nervous,” so Bush senior added this caveat. 

“Let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy. He’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now.”

The tradition has had some memorable moments. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy spared a 55-pounder with a sign around their neck saying, “Good Eating, Mr. President.”

JFK responded with, “We’ll just let this one grow.”

Tragically and sadly, days later, Kennedy embarked on his trip to Dallas. 

The first President to use the word “pardon” in association with the official bird was Ronald Reagan in 1987. It came about as reporters asked him during the ceremony if he planned on pardoning any of his staff accused of wrongdoing in the Iran-Contra scandal.  

Reagan would turn to the 55-pound turkey in front of his podium and joked, “I’ll pardon him.”

Joe Biden hired joke writers for his second turkey pardon ceremony this week when he pardoned two turkeys but, of course, somehow weaved in partisan politics as he read his rather lame joke. 

“The votes are in, they’ve been counted and verified, no ballot stuffing, no fowl play. The only red wave this season is going to be if German Shepherd Commander knocks over the cranberry sauce.” 

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