White House ceremony held in the Rose Garden.
Each year since President Truman was in office, the National Turkey Federation has provided a turkey (or two) for the White House. In a tradition begun by President Reagan, President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a ceremony at the White House on Monday.
The turkeys, named Chocolate and Chip, were pardoned “based on their temperament and commitment to be productive members of society,” the president said.
While the two birds were spared, the Department of Agriculture said some 40 million turkeys would not be so lucky at Thanksgiving this year.
President John F. Kennedy was the first to spare the turkey from becoming dinner. President George H.W. Bush was the first to officially use the term “pardon” after animal rights activists routinely picketed the event. President Lincoln also spared the life of a turkey, but that was at Christmas.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the president as he continues the traditions of the White House and presidency.
- For discernment for the president and his advisors as they craft policy and respond to world events.
Sources: Fox News, CNN, NPR, TheCounter.org
