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Some turkeys look forward to Thanksgiving Day!

"May they live the rest of their lives in blissful gobbling. And may all Americans enjoy a holiday full of love and peace. God bless you all." - President George W. Bush, 20 November 2007

Youngsters with Camp Fire USA and other guests join President George W. Bush around May, the 2007 National Thanksgiving turkey,

Most Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day by having a turkey dinner which is bad news for turkeys. However, every year there are two turkey's who look forward to Thanksgiving Day! Since 1947 a Thanksgiving ceremony has been held at the White House. During the ceremony the President grants a pardon to the lucky turkeys. Instead of becoming that year's dinner the turkeys are spared. This year, the President pardoned two Turkey's named "May" and "Flower" from Dubois, Indiana. The Mayflower was a ship that carried early English settlers to America in 1620.

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Welcome to the Rose Garden. Thanks for coming....I'm pleased to announce the winning names. They are "May" and "Flower." They're certainly better than the names the Vice President suggested, which was "Lunch" and "Dinner." ...America's children also have a special place in our thoughts during this season. Don't you agree? Today we're proud to be joined from youngsters from the Camp Fire USA....

President George W. Bush offers an official pardon to May, the 2007 Thanksgiving Turkey

May, the 2007 National Thanksgiving Turkey, awaits the official pardoning

It's a nationwide organization that helps children become caring and confident future leaders. One of the things Laura and I have been most thankful for over the years is the chance to meet children from across the country and to hear from thousands of others. Some send photos. Some offer prayers. Some of them ask about Barney. A second-grader from California once asked me, do you ever get a headache?

...And so now I have a task, and that is to grant a full presidential pardon to May and Flower. They'll be shortly flown to Disney World, where they will serve as Honorary Grand Marshals for the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I hope that honor doesn't go to their head. May they live the rest of their lives in blissful gobbling. And may all Americans enjoy a holiday full of love and peace. God bless you all.

Source: White House - President Bush Pardons "May and Flower" in National Thanksgiving Turkey Ceremony

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