Remembering History: President John F. Kennedy reaches out to touch a 40-pound turkey, presented to him November 19, 1963, at the White House. Kennedy is thought to be the first president to pardon a turkey. He told those presenting the bird to ““just keep him.”

President John F. Kennedy reaches out to touch a 40-pound turkey, presented to him November 19, 1963, at the White House. Kennedy is thought to be the first president to pardon a turkey. He told those presenting the bird to ““just keep him.”

President John F. Kennedy reaches out to touch a 40-pound turkey, presented to him November 19, 1963, at the White House. Kennedy is thought to be the first president to pardon a turkey. He told those presenting the bird to ““just keep him.”