Thanksgiving Traditions and History

What is the primary purpose of Thanksgiving for Americans?

• To celebrate the harvest season

• To gather with family and express gratitude

• To commemorate historical events

• To enjoy a long weekend holiday

What is the traditional purpose of the National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation?

• To select the best turkey for the presidential dinner

• To showcase the quality of American poultry

• To grant a pardon to a turkey, saving it from being eaten

• To introduce new turkey breeds to the public

What happens to a turkey after it receives a presidential pardon?

• It is sent to a zoo

• It lives out its days on a farm

• It is returned to its original owner

• It is donated to a charity

When did the tradition of sending Thanksgiving turkeys to US presidents begin?

• The 1700s

• The 1870s

• The 1920s

• The 1940s

Which US President discouraged Americans from sending too many turkeys to the White House due to an overwhelming influx?

• Abraham Lincoln

• John F. Kennedy

• Woodrow Wilson

• Richard Nixon

Besides turkeys, what other animals have been presented to US presidents as Thanksgiving gifts?

• Chickens, ducks, and pigs

• Quails, geese, rabbits, and a raccoon

• Cows, sheep, and goats

• Horses, dogs, and cats

Who was the first president to pardon a turkey, reportedly at his son's request?

• George Washington

• Abraham Lincoln

• Theodore Roosevelt

• Franklin D. Roosevelt

When did the formal tradition of offering a presidential pardon for a Thanksgiving turkey officially begin?

• 1963

• 1970

• 1989

• 2000