“The Rockefeller Center Turkey has given us so many wonderful memories over the years,” Medina said. “From the first honey-glazed bird in 1957, to that image of Mayor LaGuardia raising those giant gizzards above his head to signal the start of another Thanksgiving season.”

“Through depression, war, and even food shortages, this incredible tradition has always endured,” Medina continued. “Except of course for 1951, when the enormous bird rolled off a cargo train and crushed 64 people before plunging into the East River.”