Two fortunate turkeys named Gobble and Waddle have been living the high life in Washington DC, enjoying a luxury hotel stay before their central role in a cherished White House tradition.
A Presidential Reprieve
The birds, which arrived from North Carolina on Monday, 24 November, were treated to a VIP experience at the opulent Willard Hotel. This extravagant prelude sets the stage for their official pardon, scheduled for Tuesday, 25 November. The ceremony will see President Donald Trump continue the national tradition of sparing the selected turkeys from the Thanksgiving table.
The Details of the Tradition
This act of clemency is part of an annual holiday ceremony observed for over three decades. The tradition guarantees the pardoned turkeys a peaceful retirement. Following the high-profile event, Gobble and Waddle will be sent to farms where they will be protected and looked after, ensuring they live out their days in safety and comfort, far from any festive menus.
The spectacle of the turkey pardon offers a moment of light-hearted ceremony, blending American political pageantry with the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday. The VIP treatment for the feathered guests has become an anticipated part of the proceedings, capturing public imagination year after year.