Happy Thanksgiving!
Nostalgia is finding value within the little moments and our larger memories. As a member of the Photomyne family, we know the past holds a special place in your heart, and we welcome you to our weekly newsletter of nostalgic photos.
Perhaps one of the endearing and lighthearted traditions associated with Thanksgiving in the United States is the Presidential Turkey Pardon. Every year around Thanksgiving, the sitting President of the United States is presented with a turkey, often referred to as the "National Thanksgiving Turkey." Instead of being destined for the dinner table, this lucky bird is granted a special reprieve from its fate and is "pardoned" by the President. The tradition has a playful and whimsical quality, injecting a sense of humor and warmth into a holiday centered around gratitude.
Thanksgiving itself is a time of immense joy and reflection for many Americans. It's a holiday that transcends politics and personal beliefs, bringing families and communities together to celebrate and express gratitude for the blessings of the year. The presidential turkey pardon, amidst its playfulness, symbolizes the spirit of Thanksgiving – a moment to cherish the joys of unity, gratitude, and the simple pleasures of life.
What are your favorite Thanksgiving memories?
John F. Kennedy. US National Archives (1963)
Gerald Ford. Flickr Commons (1975)
Pat Nixon. Flickr (1971)
Harry Truman. Flickr (1949)
Ronald Reagan. US National Archives (1987)