The tradition of 'pardoning' a turkey dates back to Abraham Lincoln. Here, pics of presidents with their grateful birds Kate Hogan is Director of Digital Specials and Features at PEOPLE, as well ...

Gifting the White House poultry can be traced back to the 1800s, but the origins of the ceremonial presidential pardon of the National Thanksgiving Turkey might be more recent than you'd think.

Continuing a tradition that goes back years, President Joe Biden will partake in his last turkey pardon during his administration. Every year, the president "pardons" one or two turkeys before the ...

As Americans tuck into turkey this week, raise a glass to the two that got away. Minnesota’s own Peach and Blossom earned their presidential pardon Monday at the White House. “They tell me ...

The tradition of issuing a "pardon" for two turkeys was initiated in 1989 by George H. W. Bush. This tradition is associated with Thanksgiving celebrations and Abraham Lincoln's decision. In 1863 ...

Documents found in the National Archives "reveal the hidden link ... between two presidents across the centuries," historian David J. Gerleman writes Virginia Chamlee is a Politics Writer at PEOPLE.