Since the Harry Truman administration, the U.S. has been celebrating the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony. This year, President Donald Trump is set to repeat the yearly tradition, celebrating the 70<sup>th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation.
"On Tuesday, November 21st, President Donald J. Trump will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a ceremony in the Rose Garden," read the White House's official statement.
"This year, the President will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving presentation, as he reflects on our Nation's rich Thanksgiving traditions and wishes American families a safe and healthy holiday."
The two lucky birds to get an official pardon from Trump were handpicked by the National Turkey Federation. The birds originated from Western Minnesota and has been under the care of National Turkey Federation Chairman Carl Wittenburg, his wife Sharlene, and five other women from the Douglas County 4-H chapter.
It is not yet confirmed whether Trump's complete family will attend the said ceremony. However, it is expected that his wife, First lady Melania Trump, will be at the president's side during the whole ordeal.
After the president performs the official pardoning ceremony, the two birds will then be taken to Virginia Tech's "Gobblers Rest" exhibit. This is where they will be taken care of for the rest of their lives by students and veterinarians. The turkeys will be joined by last year's turkeys named "Tater" and "Tot."
The turkeys were taken to D.C. on Nov. 19 and has been staying at the Willard Hotel, as tradition dictates. To those who have attended last year's pardoning ceremony, it was filled by dad puns made by President Obama himself. It is yet to be known whether Trump will make the same jest as well.
Also, the National Turkey Federation will also bring two turkeys from Jaindl's Turkey Farm of Orefield, Pennsylvania, to the event. These two turkeys will be donated to Martha's Table in Washington D.C., courtesy of the First Family.
