On October 3, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed a proclamation making Thanksgiving a national holiday. It would be celebrated on the last Thursday of November. Soon after the tradition of pardoning a turkey began.
According to a November 2012 article on Smithsonian.com, a live turkey was delivered to the White House for Abraham Lincoln’s family Christmas dinner in late 1863.
Abraham Lincoln’s son Tad, named the turkey Jack. Tad taught Jack to follow him closely as he wandered around the White House grounds. When the time came to turn Jack into Christmas dinner, Tad protested, saying, “He’s a good turkey, and I don’t want him killed.”
Tad Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln always a kind father and a great animal lover, gave in and pardoned Jack. Lincoln’s pardon was the first for a White House turkey. The tradition continues today.
If you like this post, then please consider sharing it and leaving a comment below. Thank you! Barbara Lowell, Children’s Author
You may like: Books For Kids: Abe Lincoln https://barbaralowell.com/books-for-kids-abe-lincoln
The Smithsonian article can be found at:
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-history-of-pardoning-turkeys-began-with-tad-lincoln-141137570/
Books For Kids:
Thanksgiving in the White House
By Gary Hines, Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner
Lincoln and His Boys
By Rosemary Wells, Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
