NATIONAL THANKSGIVING TURKEY PRESENTATION

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The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation is coming up soon -- an annual ceremony that takes place in the White House Rose Garden. The tradition officially began in 1947, when members of the National Turkey Federation presented President Truman with the first National Thanksgiving Turkey. The ceremony allows the president to unofficially usher in the holiday season, and to reflect upon the meaning and value of the Thanksgiving holiday. What makes this annual ritual so whimsical and memorable is that, for many years, the president has spared the life of the National Turkey by granting it a presidential "pardon." Here some fascinating facts about the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation:

    It is believed that the tradition goes all the way back to the administration of President Abraham Lincoln. As the story goes, President Lincoln spared the life of a turkey out of love and loyalty to his son, tad, who wanted to keep it as a pet.

    There is no evidence that President Harry Truman ever pardoned a turkey. Staffers at the Truman library have not been able to uncover any documents, speeches or newspaper clippings that prove otherwise. To the contrary, President Truman would often rib reporters by suggesting that the National Turkey would end up on the family dinner table.

    There are differences of opinion regarding when the custom of "pardoning" the National Turkey began. Some believe that it started with President Kennedy; others believe that it was President George H.W. Bush who "pardoned" the first National Turkey.

    Turkeys chosen to be candidates for the National Turkey are given VIP (or I should say VIT) treatment. They are separated from the flock, hand fed, and are trained to interact with people. All this pampering and training helps to ensure that the National Turkey will be poised and well-behaved at the Rose Garden ceremony (that is what is hoped, anyway).

    A first runner up is always selected along with the National Thanksgiving Turkey. This is done as a precaution just in case anything should happen that would prevent the National Turkey from fulfilling his duties and obligations.