From Table to Farm - The White House Turkey Presentation
The annual turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House is a lighthearted event that has evolved over the years. Harry S. Truman presided over the first live turkey presentation in 1947, complete with a bird intended for the Thanksgiving meal. In fact, turkeys presented to John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson wore signs that read, "Good Eating, Mr. President."
It wasn't until November 14, 1989 that President George Bush officially "granted a Presidential pardon" to a turkey. Take a gander at the lucky bird from that year in the photo above.
Photos: Annual presentation of Thanksgiving turkey to Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House. 11/16/67.
George Bush at the first official turkey pardoning, 11/14/89.
More -- Thanksgiving with the Presidents from the White House Blog