Dedicated to My British Chum,

Sir Andy James Turner

Nations often adopt animal as symbols

And in 1776 the new America did the same

Three patriots were appointed to pick one

And between them the controversy raged

Thomas Jefferson was a big fan of the Golden Eagle

John Adams said the Bald Eagle filled him with glee

But good old Benjamin Franklin didn’t like either one

He thought our nation’s symbol should be the Turkey

Franklin of course was overruled in favor of an eagle

And since the Golden Eagle also flew over other nations

After much rancor debate controversy and posturing about

Our Founding Fathers chose the Bald Eagle with much elation

But as I read Franklin’s words below about his favorite bird

I kind of wish they had picked the most intriguing Turkey

He sort of reminds me of myself, and as our nation’s symbol,

I could have teased and harassed my friend Andy with glee

"A true native of America," "a little vain and silly,"

But nevertheless a "bird of courage"

That "would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards

Who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on."

Benjamin Franklin,

On the Many Merits of the Turkey

So if the Brave Wild Turkey had been chosen as our National Symbol

Today we’d have more Turkeys as Pets instead of making them a Meal

And I for one would enjoy watching my feisty old pet Tom the Turkey

Chasing Little Brit Andy around my yard with Patriotic American Zeal

So when you sit down to your festive Thanksgiving Dinners

Just remember your meal’s ancestors were Revolutionary heroes

I just might start adding more old turkeys to my animal sanctuary

A home for dogs cats patriotic turkeys and discarded pink flamingoes

Andy, you’re invited for Thanksgiving,

Dinner will be served promptly at Three;

And when old Tom charges down that hill,

I hope you Brits still know how to climb trees!

Your Pal,

Yankee Doodle Ed