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Politics & Government

Presidential Turkey Pardons

Every year, one lucky turkey gets a new lease on life by the current President of the United States. Check out this photo gallery from Bio.com

One turkey gets a new lease on life every year when the President pardons a lucky bird.

The tradition dates back 65 years.

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The ceremony that takes place at the White House every year shortly before Thanksgiving. The President of the United States is presented with a live domestic turkey, usually of the Broad Breasted White variety. Generally theNational Turkey Federation and the Poultry and Egg National Board are involved.

Since 1989 during the first Thanksgiving of President George H. W. Bush, the president has granted the turkey a "presidential pardon" and thus spared the bird from being slaughtered.

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You can view the turkey pardons through the years here on Bio.com

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