Two turkey sisters, “Faygo” and “Vernors,” have been saved from the Thanksgiving table thanks to a pardon from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer pardoned the pair Tuesday, Nov. 18, outside of the Capitol Building.
“Today we continue our tradition of pardoning a turkey,” Whitmer said. “But this year, we’re pardoning two turkey sisters, a reminder that the most important part of the holiday season is coming together with friends and family. This Thanksgiving, I hope everyone enjoys time with loved ones, finds a way to give back to the community and cheers on our Lions.”
The turkey names are a nod to Michigan’s pop history, with soft drink company Faygo being founded and headquartered in Detroit and Vernors ginger ale being created in Detroit.
The names were among 1,500 entries submitted by residents hoping to name the pardoned poultry. Thousands of Michiganders voted on their favorite entries, Whitmer’s office said.
Whitmer began her annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon in 2022, mirroring the presidential tradition that started annually with President George H.W. Bush.
Last year, she pardoned “Aidan Cluckinson,” a play on the name of Detroit Lions’ star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
She pardoned “Dolly Pardon” in 2023 and “Mitch E. Gander” in 2022.
Turkey pardoning by the president has roots as far back as President Abraham Lincoln, according to White House historians.
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