Benjamin Franklin was the personified definition of a Renaissance Man during his time; a legislative founding father, diplomatic statesman, curious inventor, entrepreneurial printer and amusing writer. But during all of his time legislating, inventing and satirizing in the likes of Philadelphia, London and Paris he never forgot his Boston roots. And when it comes to Boston, especially on Thanksgiving, turkey is tops.

And Ben Franklin loved turkey.

So enamored was Franklin of the propriety of the turkey that he even off-handily suggested it become the national bird of the United States in lieu of the bald eagle.

Wrote Franklin,

For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character…For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America… He is besides, tho’ a little vain and silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.

It’s unknown, though, whether Franklin was true to his sentiment of the turkey or simply writing satirically. He never suggested to the emblem-choosing committee that they opt for the turkey. The American Heraldry Society also notes that the passage was written in protest of a then-present-day fraternal society.

What we do know is, Franklin was a fan of the turkey in some form or another.

Just some food for thought.

Get it? Happy Thanksgiving, folks.

[Image via Blip.TV]