Presidents have pardoned turkeys from Thanksgiving slaughter each year since George H.W. Bush officially freed one in 1989, but the tradition may date back to Lincoln—legend has it that son Tad begged Abe to save one of the birds. The modern-day incarnation is overseen by the National Turkey Federation and the White House. Here’s the journey two lucky birds are making this year.

1. Forty Stars are Born

The selection process began in June with a whole rafter, or

flock, of turkeys. National Turkey Federation chairman Steve Willardsen

chose a farm he owns in Rockingham County, Virginia, as the birthplace.

Forty eggs were selected and incubated together. Once hatched, the poults

moved to their own barn.

2. Turkeys in Training

Turkeys are naturally skittish, but the select group was

trained to be what the National Turkey Federation describes as

“media-savvy.” Handlers familiarized the turkeys with human contact and

played music around the clock so the turkeys got used to loud noises and

human voices.

3. The Chosen Ones

Willardsen will choose the National Thanksgiving Turkey and an

alternate based on the birds’ ease with handling, physical health, and

superior looks. This year, children in the Shenandoah Valley will submit

potential names for the birds, and the White House will choose two and

announce them at the ceremony.

4. The Turkeys Go to Washington

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the turkeys will be driven

three hours to the W Hotel in downtown DC. They’ll stay in a suite with

sawdust and wood chips on the floor and will snack on corn and cranberries

from a special avian “munchie box.” They’ll visit the P.O.V. Roof Terrace

bar, overlooking the White House, for a photo op.

5. Pardoning

The day before Thanksgiving, Willardsen will take the turkeys

across the street to the White House for a small gathering with the Obama

family. The ceremony usually lasts half an hour.

6. Home Sweet Home

The turkeys will be driven to George Washington’s Mount Vernon

estate, where Colonial reenactors will transport them in a horse-drawn

carriage to a stage for another ceremony. The turkeys will be on display

through January 6 and then will retire in their own little house on the

estate. They’ll join turkeys Liberty and Peace, pardoned last

year.

This article appears in the November 2012 issue of The Washingtonian.

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