Trump Kicks Off Thanksgiving Week with Traditional White House Turkey Pardon Ceremony
As Thanksgiving approaches, the White House is buzzing with excitement and preparations for the annual turkey pardon ceremony. This year, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will continue the beloved tradition of sparing two lucky turkeys from the Thanksgiving dinner table.
The ceremony, which takes place on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, has been a long-standing tradition since the 1940s. Each year, the National Turkey Federation presents the President with two turkeys, one to be pardoned and the other to serve as the alternate in case the pardoned turkey is unable to fulfill its duties.
This year, the two turkeys, named Bread and Butter, were raised in North Carolina by farmer Wellie Jackson. They were selected for their size, temperament, and overall good health. The turkeys have been staying at the luxurious Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington D.C., where they have been pampered and prepared for their big day.
On Tuesday, November 26th, President Trump will officially pardon one of the turkeys in a ceremony held in the Rose Garden. The pardoned turkey will then be sent to live out the rest of its days at Gobbler’s Rest, a special exhibit at Virginia Tech’s “Poultry Science” department. The alternate turkey will also be spared and will be sent to a different location to live out its days.
The First Lady, who has been a strong advocate for animal welfare, has also announced a new twist to this year’s ceremony. In a tweet, she asked the public to vote on the names for the two turkeys via social media. The options are Buttercup and Sweet Potato, or Peas and Carrots. The winning names will be announced during the ceremony, adding an extra element of fun and excitement to the event.
The White House has also invited a group of children from a local military base to attend the ceremony. This is in line with the First Lady’s “Be Best” initiative, which focuses on the well-being of children. The children will have the opportunity to meet the President and the First Lady, as well as the turkeys, and participate in the festivities.
The turkey pardon ceremony is a lighthearted and beloved tradition that brings joy and laughter to the White House during the busy holiday season. It also serves as a reminder to be grateful and give thanks for all the blessings in our lives.
President Trump has been known to add his own personal touch to the ceremony, often making jokes and puns during his speech. Last year, he even joked about pardoning himself, which drew laughter from the audience.
The turkey pardon ceremony has become a highly anticipated event, not only in the United States but also around the world. It showcases the lighter side of the President and brings a sense of unity and joy to the nation during a time when it is much needed.
As we gather with our loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us also take a moment to appreciate the tradition of the turkey pardon ceremony and the message of compassion and gratitude it represents. We can all learn from the President and the First Lady’s example of kindness and generosity towards these two lucky turkeys.
So, let’s all tune in on Tuesday to see which names the public has chosen for Bread and Butter, and to witness the heartwarming tradition of the turkey pardon ceremony at the White House. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
