History of the Turkey Pardon
The story of America’s turkey pardon is part folklore, part PR, and part pure holiday whimsy.
The earliest known instance dates back to 1863, in the middle of the Civil War. President Abraham Lincoln’s young son, Tad, became attached to a turkey destined for the family’s Christmas dinner. Tad pleaded with his father to spare the bird, and Lincoln agreed. The turkey was granted an informal reprieve — a small act of kindness that would later be remembered as the first “turkey pardon.”
Fast-forward to the mid-20th century. From the 1940s through the 1980s, the National Turkey Federation began presenting live turkeys to the White House for Thanksgiving. These events were often covered by the media, but they were more about photo ops than pardons. Some presidents spared the bird, others did not, and there was no official, annual ceremony. More often than not, the turkey still ended up on the table.
In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan added a bit of humor to the mix. In 1987, he jokingly referred to a turkey as being “pardoned,” and the idea started to stick in the public imagination.
The modern tradition took shape in 1989, when President George H.W. Bush held the first official turkey pardoning ceremony in the Rose Garden. He formally granted a presidential pardon to the National Thanksgiving Turkey and declared that it would be spared. Since then, every president has continued the ritual, with the pardoned birds heading off to farms or special facilities to live out their retirement.
What began as a one-off act of compassion in Lincoln’s White House has evolved into a lighthearted national ritual that signals the start of the holiday season.
How the Turkey Pardon Looks in the 2020s
Today, the turkey pardon is more than a quick photo op. In the 2020s, it’s a full-on media moment.
- Live coverage and social media: The ceremony is broadcast, clipped, and shared across every major platform. The turkeys get names, backstories, and sometimes even their own social media features.
- A break from heavy news: In a world that can feel heavy, the turkey pardon offers a brief, collective exhale; a moment of levity wrapped in tradition.
- Symbolism of mercy and gratitude: While it’s playful, the act of sparing the turkey has come to symbolize a pause for reflection, gratitude, and a reminder that even leaders of nations can take a moment to be lighthearted and humane.
In other words, the turkey pardon has become a small but meaningful part of how Americans mark the start of the Thanksgiving holiday. Showcasing a blend of history, humor, and heart.
Thanksgiving: The Season of Giving
Thanksgiving is, at its core, about gratitude and generosity. It’s about sharing what we have, reflecting on the year, and investing in what matters most: people and relationships.
In marketing, we see this season as a reminder to share meaningful, helpful content with your audience. That’s where a fun concept called ‘Turkey Slicing’ comes in.
What Is “Turkey Slicing” in Content Marketing?
Think of your biggest, juiciest piece of content. It could be a comprehensive guide/brochure, a visual project, a professional achievement, or a detailed case study. That’s your turkey.
With Turkey Slicing, you:
- Start with one large, foundational asset (the turkey)
- Carve it into multiple smaller, focused pieces (the slices)
- Share those slices across channels — blog posts, articles, email campaigns, social media snippets, short videos, and more
Instead of creating everything from scratch each time, you’re:
- Extending ROI: One well-crafted asset fuels weeks or months of content.
- Reaching different audiences: Some people prefer a quick LinkedIn post; others want a deep-dive article.
- Staying consistent: Every slice points back to the same core message and strategy.
It’s a simple idea with powerful impact: create once, slice often, and serve generously.
Why You Matter to Us at Morris Group LLC
At Morris Group LLC, the work is important, but the people we work with matter even more. We’re thankful for the clients, partners, and collaborators who trust us with their stories and invite us into their businesses.
You’re the reason we do what we do:
- Your challenges push us to think sharper and create smarter
- Your wins feel like our wins
- Your feedback helps us grow and refine our craft
In every project, we see more than a campaign or a piece of content. We see a relationship built on trust, curiosity, and shared goals. We’re grateful for the chance to listen, to collaborate, and to help bring your ideas to life in ways that move the needle for your business.
As we reflect on this season of giving, we’re especially thankful for everyone who has walked alongside us so far and those we’ve yet to meet.
From all of us at Morris Group LLC, thank you for being part of our story and for allowing us to be part of yours.