There are certain traditions in Washington that remind us, despite all the political tumult and division, that some things remain wonderfully constant. This week, President Donald Trump will participate in one of the capital’s most endearing rituals, the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon.
On Tuesday afternoon, the president and first lady Melania Trump will gather in the Rose Garden for this lighthearted ceremony, where two fortunate birds will receive presidential clemency just ahead of the national holiday. It is a moment of levity in what has been, as always in Washington, a year of serious business and weighty decisions.
The White House has opened the process to the American people, allowing citizens to participate in naming these lucky turkeys. The first lady took to social media to share a shortlist of potential names, inviting the public to cast their votes. This democratic approach to turkey nomenclature may seem trivial, but it represents something larger: an administration willing to engage with ordinary Americans on matters both great and small.
History shows us that these pardoned birds have come from all corners of our nation. Last year’s recipients, “Peach” and “Blossom,” arrived from Minnesota, as did their predecessors, “Liberty” and “Bell.” Over the years, states from North Carolina to California, from Indiana to Missouri, have had the honor of sending their finest poultry to Pennsylvania Avenue.
The tradition itself speaks to the character of our republic. In what other nation would the chief executive take time from matters of state to grant clemency to a turkey? It is quintessentially American, mixing solemnity with humor, tradition with accessibility.
But the holiday preparations do not end with our feathered friends. The first lady will also welcome the official White House Christmas tree this week, signaling the start of the festive season at the nation’s most famous address. This year’s tree hails from Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan, located about an hour northeast of Grand Rapids.
The Fraser fir, which will be displayed prominently in the Blue Room, comes courtesy of farm owners Rex and Jessica Korson. The couple will also provide a smaller tree for the Oval Office, ensuring that holiday spirit permeates the West Wing as well.
These moments matter more than some might think. In an era when Americans feel increasingly disconnected from their government, when cynicism runs deep and trust runs shallow, these simple traditions serve as reminders of continuity and normalcy. They connect us to administrations past and future, to a time when differences were set aside, however briefly, for celebration and gratitude.
As families across this nation prepare their own Thanksgiving tables and trim their own Christmas trees, they can take some comfort in knowing that similar preparations are underway at the White House. The details may differ, but the spirit remains the same: a time for gratitude, family, and the simple joys that unite us as Americans.
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