Presidents have played a role in the annual Thanksgiving celebration since 1789 . President George W. Bush continued the tradition by pardoning a turkey at the White House Thanksgiving . - Total number of visits Bush made to Iraq as president since the war began in 2003 . 26 president opted for possum instead of turkey for his annual Thanksgiving meal .
Presidents have played a role in the annual Thanksgiving celebration since 1789 . President George W. Bush continued the tradition by pardoning a turkey at the White House Thanksgiving . 26 president opted for possum instead of turkey for his annual Thanksgiving meal .