diff --git a/bird/bird.conf.tmpl b/bird/bird.conf.tmpl
index e52ea19..22a8199 100644
--- a/bird/bird.conf.tmpl
+++ b/bird/bird.conf.tmpl
@@ -179,6 +179,7 @@ protocol kernel {               # Primary routing table
     learn;                  # Learn alien routes from the kernel
     persist;                # Don't remove routes on bird shutdown
     scan time 10;           # Scan kernel routing table every 10 seconds
+    graceful restart;
     ipv4 {
         table ${netname:-lixonet}_v4;
         import filter kernel_import_filter_v4; # Import anything we allow from the kernel