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President and Mrs. Trump at 2019 Turkey Pardon

WEBHOOK FORWARD TEST This photograph of President Donald Trump and representatives from the National Turkey Federation interacting with Butter the turkey during the turkey pardoning ceremony was taken by Matthew D'Agostino on November 26, 2019. Behind them is First Lady Melania Trump. Following the ceremony, the pair of presidential turkeys, named Bread and Butter, were transferred to 'Gobblers Rest' reserve in Blacksburg, Virginia to be cared for by veterinarians and students of Virginia Tech's Animal and Poultry Sciences Department. Presidents and their families have received turkeys for the holidays as far back as the 1870s. However, the origin of the turkey pardon is said to have started with President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, after he offered clemency to a turkey purchased for Christmas dinner at his son's request. The pardoning of a Thanksgiving turkey became a formalized tradition during the Ronald Reagan administration.
Photographer
Matthew D'Agostino
Date of Work
November 26, 2019
Type
Photograph
Credit
WEBHOOK FORWARD TEST for the White House Historical Association
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