November 26, 2009
President Obama Pardons Two Turkeys
The President is celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend, but there are two birds that won't end up on his plate.
President Obama spared the lives of two turkeys, named Courage and Carolina, at the request of his daughters Malia and Sasha.
The President discussed the tradition of the National Turkey Federation's best turkey being brought to the White House for pardoning.
"Today I am pleased to announce, that thanks to the interventions of Malia and Sasha... Courage will also be spared this terrible and delicious fate. Today he'll head to Disneyland where he'll be Grand Marshall of tomorrow's parade."
Obama said that he and his family will also donate two turkeys to "Martha's Table, an organization that does extraordinary work to help folks here in D.C. who need it the most."
During a turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House, Obama also expressed his thanks for the blessings he's received -- and reminded the American people to think of those less fortunate during the Holidays.
"When my family and I sit around the table tomorrow, just like millions of other families across America, we'll take time to give our thanks for many blessings. But we'll also remember this is a time when so many members of our American family are hurting. There's no question this has been a tough year for America. We're at war. Our economy is emerging from an extraordinary recession into recovery. But there's a long way to go and a lot of work to do."
The President reminds the public that economic hardships means that less fortunate people need more help now than ever.
"This is an era of new perils and new hardships. But we are, as ever, a people of endless compassion, boundless ingenuity, limitless strength. We're the heirs to a hard-earned history and stewards of a land of God-given beauty. We are Americans. And for all this, we give our humble thanks -- to our predecessors, to one another, and to God.
So on this quintessentially American holiday, as we give thanks for what we've got, let's also give back to those who are less fortunate. As we give thanks for our loved ones, let us remember those who can't be with us. And as we give thanks for our security, let's in turn thank those who've sacrificed to make it possible, wherever they may be."
