Thanksgiving is truly a time for remembering your blessings and reminding yourself of all the things you are grateful for like good friends and family. It is a time to enjoy being with loved ones and even helping those less fortunate than yourself. With the spirit of the day in mind, some lucky turkeys get to enjoy long and healthy lives thanks to receiving a Presidential pardon. Read on to learn more about this interesting modern tradition.
History of the Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon
*The Presidential Turkey Pardon officially began in 1989 with President George H.W. Bush. Those lucky birds went to live out their lives on the Frying Pan Farm Park, in Virginia. The name might sound a little deceptive to some people, however, the park is a wonderful place. It is run in the 1920’s-1950’s tradition of an agricultural farm. Visitors are welcome to come and see life on the Farm and participate in events as they are scheduled.
*Not so long a life? Some of the turkeys that are saved from the oven are not safe and sound. Many turkeys are well feed in order to put extra meat on their bones, this is great for the people that is going to eat it, but not so good for the ones that are pardoned. Overweight turkeys have a hard time functioning due to poor circulation. Some of these “lucky” birds do not get to live a long and happy life, in fact, they might die a few months or just a few days, after their pardon. All that extra weight just puts too much stress on the birds.
*Not all bad. Not every pardoned turkey has such a sad fate, some can be put on a healthier diet to promote weight loss and receive exercise that can improve their overall health. These birds get to live out their lives on farms, petting farms and some even get lucky enough to go live in the Animal Kingdom, in Disney Land!
*Photoshoot. Some of the pardoned birds are cared for and handled by humans so that they get used to being around people. These birds are prepared for having their pictures taken and just being around people in a petting farm atmosphere. Some even are lucky enough to star in a Thanksgiving Day parade!
The Presidential Turkey Pardon may sound a little silly but think of it from the turkey’s point of view. Wouldn’t you rather be on a farm instead of someone’s dinner plate? There is no doubt that turkeys will remain the star of Thanksgiving meals everywhere, however, it is nice to know that a lucky few get to live out their lives.
In honor of the Pardoned Turkey who skipped dinner this year, here’s a FUN and FREE printable your kids will enjoy during the Thanksgiving season!
They’ll get to color a turkey, write a creative story and share their own hilarious thoughts on a thankful turkey who missed dinner this holiday season!
Enter your name and email directly below to get your FREE Pardoned Turkey Writing Prompts Printable instantly–>>
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