In a long-established tradition, the President pardoned two Minnesota turkeys, Peach and Blossom, on Monday, November 25th. The turkeys were reared in Northfield, MN, spent Sunday evening at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel but will return to their home state to spend the remainder of their lives at the Agricultural Interpretive Center in Waseca.
The Thanksgiving turkeys were presented by John Zimmerman, Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, who grew, selected and conditioned the two presentation toms aged 17 weeks.
The ceremony is a tradition dating back to 1963 established by President John F. Kennedy. It is understood that previous to his administration the presentation turkeys became a centerpiece at the White House Thanksgiving Dinner.
The National Turkey Federation has organized the turkey presentation ceremony since 1947 during the Truman Administration.