November 20, 2007

Bush Rescues Gobblers From Cheney

Two big birds weren't on the menu at the annual presidential Thanksgiving turkey pardon today.

After announcing that Americans had voted online to name the lucky fowl May and Flower, President Bush noted that the winning nom de plumes were "certainly better than the names the vice president suggested, which were Lunch and Dinner."

The reference to Dick Cheney's love of hunting was greeted with appreciative chuckles from the audience and enthusiastic warbling from May and Flower, the guests of honor.

Delivering a message "for our two feathered friends," Bush said, "You cannot take the heat, and you're definitely going to stay out of the kitchen."

Today's ceremony marked the 60th anniversary of the presidential turkey pardon. According to the White House Web site, President Harry Truman was first to bestow the honors in 1947.

The irony of the annual rite is, of course, that two chosen gobblers get to live out their days on a farm while more than 45 million of their delicious brethren are slaughtered, stuffed and roasted on Thanksgiving Day.

Bush took several moments from the lighthearted business at hand to tip his hat to the millions of working men and women he credited with "the longest period of uninterrupted job creation on record," as well as "the men and women of the U.S. military" who've "offered their lives in our defense."

"We will keep their loved ones and prayers in our thoughts," Bush said, after which May and Flower gobbled loudly.

"Thank you," the president smiled, to laughter in the crowd assembled on the White House lawn.

After granting "a full presidential pardon" to May and Flower, Bush announced that they would be the honorary marshals of the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Disney World. "May they live their lives in blissful gobblings, and may Americans enjoy a holiday full of love and peace," Bush said.

Posted at 11:23 AM
Posted to: Bush Administration, President Bush
Share via