Karen’s Opinion

Turkeys Want You to Eat Chicken

It all began in 1947 when the NTF, National Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board began giving a turkey to our nation’s president. The turkeys were eaten at a white house dinner. So, when did turkeys begin to ask for a pardon? It first occurred in 1963, when President Kennedy, referring to the turkey given to him, said, “Let’s just keep him.” It wasn’t until the first Thanksgiving of President George H.W. Bush, in 1989, that a turkey was officially pardoned for the first time.

Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush followed suit and allowed a pardon of each turkey presented as a gift. Now, some people think this tradition, of pardoning turkeys began in 1947 when Harry Truman pardoned the turkey given to him. There is no documentation of this. Even the Truman Library has been unable to find any evidence of this. Another story claims the tradition dates back to Abraham Lincoln pardoning his son Tad’s pet turkey.

Since the first actual pardon in 1989, the pardoned turkeys have enjoyed their reprieve while residing at petting zoos. Lucky turkeys!

November 21st, 2009 Posted by karen in Food |

15 Responses to “ Turkeys Want You to Eat Chicken ”

1. # 1 Score Piano Says:
   November 22nd, 2009 at 11:12 am

   yaiks, a big chicken!

2. # 2 Julia Says:
   November 22nd, 2009 at 11:22 am

   I never realized this tradition has so much history behind it. I like it! We have a turkey who we are “pardoning” too. She is our pet. Little Ella is kind of disturbed about buying a pre killed turkey since she does not think we should be eating turkey at all!!!

   I am still looking for the perfect slouchy hobo bag…
   Julia´s last blog ..It’s a House Party, Sort Of.

3. # 3 Luc J Says:
   November 22nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm

   Great, when the presidents pardon their turkeys that leaves more for the rest of us!
   Luc J´s last blog ..Free PC Backup Solution – The Software Is Already Installed On Your PC

4. # 4 corrin Says:
   November 23rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm

   I had no idea that the pardoning was a fairly new tradition. I thought it had been going on forever!
   corrin´s last blog ..in a van down by the river

5. # 5 Maureen Says:
   November 23rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm

   I”m glad to read this- it seems when you see a turkey living and acting like the animal it is….it’s hard to kill and eat. We are having a vegan Thanksgiving this year. That is not always the case…..but this year we are.
   Maureen´s last blog ..Generic Marketing System Confusion

6. # 6 Barbara Says:
   November 24th, 2009 at 12:56 am

   That was some interesting history. We eat a lot of chicken, so Turkey we look forward to!
   Barbara´s last blog ..I’m Doubly Honored!

7. # 7 Linda Says:
   November 24th, 2009 at 7:08 am

   Eat more Turkey!

8. # 8 A. @ A Changing Life Says:
   November 26th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

   Ever since I heard of the tradition I’ve wondered what happened to the turkey. Did it go back to the farm and hope for another reprieve? But no, I’m happy to hear it lives out its days at a petting farm.

9. # 9 Brad Says:
   November 27th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

   White meat.

   Dark meat.

   Stuffing will abound.

   Can’t wait to

   Sit down.

   Platter, make the rounds!

   
   Brad´s last blog ..READ it! SIGN it! LIVE it!

10. # 10 sandy Says:
    November 27th, 2009 at 4:22 pm

    I prefer white meat, but truly turkey is my least favorite part of the whole meal. Chicken I think has more flavor then turkey; but if we didn’t eat them once a year….what purpose would they have? Funny picture, thanks for the smile.

    SIL, used a brine this year on the bird, and it has alot more flavor then in other years.
    sandy´s last blog ..Iwo Jima Monument in Washington, DC

11. # 11 Theresa Cahill Says:
    November 27th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

    Thanks for the background, never knew that (nor thought to look it up LOL!)
    Theresa Cahill´s last blog ..Changing The Place and Face of Holiday Buying

12. # 12 Diane Scott Says:
    November 27th, 2009 at 6:11 pm

    I’d make a comment about the comparison LOL… but tis the season to be nice

    No really, thanks for the education!
    Diane Scott´s last blog ..Two Oddly Related Subjects

13. # 13 [v] Says:
    November 29th, 2009 at 10:26 pm

    I wonder how long the pardonned turkeys last–they aren’t really bred to make it long term any more : /

14. # 14 Barbara Says:
    November 29th, 2009 at 11:34 pm

    We had a Hickory smoked bird this year. It was mighty tasty.

    However, I must agree with Sandy, about using a brine. My husband did a Turkey breast, in a brine for my birthday a couple of years ago. It was by far, the best turkey I’ve ever had.
    Barbara´s last blog ..Do Ladybugs Bite?

15. # 15 moving companies Cleveland Says:
    December 1st, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Those are some lucky turkeys. The concept is funny, though. We’ll pardon this turkey while tons elsewhere are being eaten, sorry!