The History of the Presidential Turkey Pardon: Tad Lincoln’s Role
Abraham Lincoln and Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863 thanks to President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation. However, the Confederate States of America refused to recognize Lincoln’s authority due to the Civil War, so Thanksgiving was not celebrated nationally until after the war.
Tad Lincoln and the White House Turkey
Tad Lincoln, the youngest son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, played a pivotal role in the first known sparing of a Thanksgiving turkey. In late 1863, the Lincolns received a live turkey for their Christmas feast. Tad, an animal lover, quickly adopted the bird as a pet and named him Jack.
On Christmas Eve, Lincoln informed Tad that Jack was intended to be killed for the holiday meal. Tad protested, arguing that the turkey had a right to live. Lincoln, unable to resist his son’s pleas, wrote a reprieve for Jack on a card and handed it to Tad.
Jack the Turkey
Tad kept Jack for another year, and on election day in 1864, Lincoln spotted the bird among soldiers lining up to vote. Lincoln playfully asked his son if the turkey would be voting too, and Tad replied, “O, no; he isn’t of age yet.”
The Death of Willie Lincoln
Tad’s childhood was marked by both joy and tragedy. His older brother, Willie, died of typhoid fever in 1862. Tad was deeply affected by Willie’s death, and his behavior became more rambunctious as he sought to fill the void left by his brother.
Tad Lincoln’s Legacy
Tad Lincoln died of tuberculosis in 1871 at the age of 18. Despite his short life, he left a lasting legacy as a tireless advocate for animal rights. His successful plea to spare Jack the turkey established a precedent that continues to this day, with presidents granting pardons to turkeys every Thanksgiving.
The Evolution of the Turkey Pardon
President Harry Truman is credited with starting the tradition of the presidential turkey pardon in 1947, but he did not officially spare a bird. It was President George H.W. Bush who formally began the tradition in 1989 by pardoning a turkey named Drumstick. Since then, every president has continued the practice.
The Impact of the Civil War on Thanksgiving
The Civil War had a significant impact on Thanksgiving. The holiday was first celebrated as a national day of thanksgiving in 1863, but the Confederate States refused to recognize Lincoln’s authority. As a result, Thanksgiving was not celebrated nationally until after the war.
The Medical Problems Faced by Tad Lincoln
Tad Lincoln was born with a cleft palate that gave him a lisp and dental impairments. He also suffered from emotional problems and was easily distracted. Despite these challenges, Tad was a beloved member of the Lincoln family and played a special role in the White House during his father’s presidency.
Conclusion
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