Every Year, They Must Pardon A Turkey
It’s no secret that many turkeys are slaughtered in the United States for the Thanksgiving holiday. So, each year, the President pardons a turkey on the White House grounds as a reminder that this occurs.
Afterwards, the turkey is brought to a children’s farm near the White House where it may spend the remainder of its days. Although the custom dates back to 1947, George H.W. Bush formalized it in 1989 and it has been followed ever since.