USA: U.S. President George Bush gives a turkey a ceremonial pardon in the Rose Garden

U.S. President George Bush on Wednesday (November 22) pardoned two turkeys in the Rose Garden. The ceremonial gesture, which began 59 years ago when Harry Truman was President, spares the birds from being killed for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. The birds Flyer and Fryer, names selected by voters in a White House website poll, will be grand marshals of the Thanksgiving parade at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. The birds will then live out their lives in an animal facility in California. "As we count our blessings, Americans also share our blessings. We're a generous country. We're filled with caring citizens who reach out to others, people who've heard the universal call to love a neighbour as we want to be loved ourselves. On Thanksgiving and every day of the year, Americans live out of a spirit of compassion and care, and I thank you for that." said President Bush to an audience at the ceremony, "Flyer is probably wondering where he's going to wind up tomorrow. He's probably thinking he's going to end up on somebody's table. Well, I'm happy to report that he and Fryer both have many tomorrows ahead of them. This morning I am grateful -- I am granting a full presidential pardon so they can live out their lives as safe as can be." added Bush. The President and Mrs. Bush will spend Thanksgiving at Camp David before leaving on a trip to the Middle East next week.

ITN Source | November 23, 2006

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