Dear Friend,

Yesterday, we came together to continue our tradition of pardoning a turkey ahead of Thanksgiving.

This year, the lucky turkey was Aidan Cluckinson, named by Valentina, a young Michigander from South Lyon. The winning name was selected from 4,486 entries submitted by Michiganders of all ages from every region of our state.

Aidan Cluckinson was one of hundreds of name submissions based on our beloved Detroit Lions. This team is firing people up as we look forward to the Thanksgiving game with high hopes for the Super Bowl.

The Lions bring us together and represent our Michigan spirit. They play hard, they play together, and they play to win. This Thanksgiving, I hope we all can come together to enjoy time with loved ones, find a way to give back to the community, and keep on cheering for our Lions.

I also want to acknowledge two finalists, also named after Lions legends: Gobbletron, from Amber of Goodrich, and Cran-Barry Sanders, from Matt of Allen Park.

After receiving my pardon, the turkey will travel from the Michigan State Capital in Lansing to his new home at the Saginaw Children's Zoo.

Aidan Cluckinson is the third turkey pardoned since I took office. Last year, I pardoned Dolly Pardon, which was selected from more than 3,900 entries in the statewide contest. In 2022, I pardoned Mitch E. Gander.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor