The country chose two turkeys for pardon on Thanksgiving

In the USA, two turkeys were chosen, which will be delivered to the president of the country for Thanksgiving Day. The bird, named Tom the First, was chosen from a dozen others living on a farm located in the state of California.

Unlike many of her relatives, she will survive the holiday. The understudy of Tom I was also chosen - Tom II. The official names of the turkeys will be based on the results of the competition announced by the White House.

According to the established tradition, the chosen turkey will be delivered to Washington and officially pardoned by the head of state Barack Obama during a solemn ceremony at the White House. After that, she will be sent to live out her life on a farm in Virginia.

The “double” turkey, most likely, will also be pardoned. At least that's what happened. in 2012 year. Then Obama pardoned the Kobbler and Gobbler turkeys.

Turkey is a constant attribute of the American Thanksgiving holiday table, which is celebrated annually in the United States on the fourth Thursday of November. This year it falls on November 26. As a rule, turkey is served on a table with cranberry sauce along with sweet potatoes.

Before 1989, presidential turkeys shared the sad fate of their “simple” relatives - they went straight to the head of state’s table. In 1963, the tradition was broken by President John Kennedy by pardoning the donated bird. The first official turkey pardon ceremony was held by George W. Bush Sr. in 1989.

According to the Federation of American Farmers, in 2009, about 46 million oven-baked turkeys were eaten in the US. The same figures were given in 2012. Meanwhile, turkey prices have risen sharply this year due to the bird flu epidemic. In this regard, it is possible that the ham on the tables will force out the turkey on the tables of Americans, the agency reported referring to the opinion of retailers Bloomberg.

Previously, the "Forum" wrote how organize Thanksgiving dinner without stress. The main thing is to prepare in advance for unforeseen situations - and avoid common mistakes.