On the fourth Thursday of November each year, there's one thing Americans can (pretty much) agree on: carbs, turkey and a celebration of thanks. And at the White House, Thanksgiving is celebrated with a ceremonial turkey pardon. This quirky tradition dates back to the Kennedy administration and let's be honest, it's the best presidential photo op of the year. 

With leaves on the ground and a crispness in the air, our commander in chief has been presented with a domestic turkey for Thanksgiving since the 1870s. But throughout the years, presidents began to spare the bird, including President John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Ronald Regan. However, the tradition wasn't considered an official pardoning until George H.W. Bush declared so for his turkey in 1989. This small action has since been passed on and is a way of demonstrating a presidential sense of humor and humility.

It also makes for some memorable photos. Click though the gallery to see how presidents have handled this duty through the years. 

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