College Hoops & A Hot Dog

Cheering for First Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson's team, the President watches Oregon State Beavers beat Towson University Tigers...
It was a good post-Thanksgiving Saturday for the Hoops Lover in Chief: President Obama began the day with the news that the 149-day NBA lockout will end, played basketball with personal aide Reggie Love, then traveled to Maryland to watch as the Oregon State Beavers defeated the Towson University Tigers, 66-46. Oregon State, of course, is coached by First Lady Michelle Obama's brother Craig Robinson, and the entire First Family was on hand to witness the victory. President Obama enjoyed a hot dog and bottled water during the second half of the game, sitting beside his wife, who was clad in an orange sweater and black pants, in honor of Oregon State's team colors (above).

Obama daughters Malia and Sasha were also clad in team colors as the First Family entered the Towson basketball arena at 1:40 PM, to a standing ovation from the crowd. The Obamas shook hands with folks in the stands and took their courtside seats, opposite the Oregon State bench.
Before the tip-off, legendary actor-comedian Bill Murray, on hand for the game, stopped by to greet the First Couple (above).

As the Oregon State team was introduced, the President and Mrs. Obama smiled broadly and clapped a bit louder when Coach Robinson’s name was called out. The Oregon State hoopsters on Wednesday joined the First Family as they packed groceries at the Capital Area Food Bank, for a Thanksgiving community service event.

Earlier in the day, after playing basketball with personal aide Reggie Love at Fort McNair, President Obama was asked about the end of the NBA lockout.

The President gave a thumbs up and said, “Good deal.’’

At halftime, the Towson football team was introduced. The Tigers won the Colonial Athletic Association championship this season and are now competing in the FCS playoffs. The players posed for a photo with the President. Swarming around him, the team was warned they’d have to run laps if they didn’t give him some room.

By 4:02 PM, victory accomplished, the President and First Lady were airborne in Marine One, heading back to the White House from the Baltimore area. Daughters Malia and Sasha traveled separately, according to pool. Before heading to Maryland, the President and his daughters visited Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe in Washington, DC, for Small Business Saturday.

*Photos by AP/pool

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Small Business Saturday: President Obama Visits Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe

President buys books during early Christmas shopping outing...
To support "Small Business Saturday," President Obama this morning did some Christmas shopping, browsing the literary offerings at Washington, DC's Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe, accompanied by daughters Malia and Sasha. The popular bookstore and cafe, located in Dupont Circle, has been open since 1976.

"You doing some Christmas shopping? Not yet?" President Obama asked a boy named Alexander, whom he greeted by the bakery case (above, as Malia and Sasha look on).

"Well, we're starting early. This is Small Business Saturday. So we're out here supporting small business."

Father and daughters browsed the travel/writing section for a while, and left with an armload of childrens' books, but not before the President shook hands and chatted with fellow patrons. (Above: Browsing the stacks)

The event to encourage support of independently owned businesses was sponsored by some very large corporations: American Express, FedEx, Google, and Facebook, among others. Small businesses create one in three jobs in America, according to the Administration. The President arrived at 11:36 AM, and spent about 20 minutes with his daughters at the store.

The President began his Saturday with a rousing game of hoops in the gym at Ft. McNair, joined by personal aide Reggie Love, who will depart the White House by the end of the year.

"We're sad to see Reggie go," President Obama told his press pool, when queried. "But he's doing the right thing. He's going to finish his education and as you can see we're still getting a little basketball in."

The Presidential book purchases, according to the White House:

The Invention of Hugo Cabret - by Brian Selnick

Diary of a Whimpy Kid Cabin Fever - by Jeff Kinney

Tails - by Matthew Van Fleet

Descent into Chaos - by Ahmed Rashid

The Tiger's Wife - by Tea Obreht

The Phantom Tollbooth - by Norton Juster

The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao - by Junot Diaz

Zen Shorts - by Jon Muth

The President's motorcade was back at the White House by 11:57 AM.  In the afternoon, the First Family traveled to Towson University, to watch First Brother-in-Law Craig Robinson's Oregon State Beavers trump the Towson Tigers 66-46, in a hoops match up.

Info: Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe is at 1517 Conn. Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036. Phone: (202) 387-1400.

*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; second by AP/pool

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2011 Obama White House Thanksgiving Menu

First Family's feast includes turkey, ham, oyster & cornbread stuffing, five sides, and six kinds of pie...
President Obama and the First Family are celebrating Thanksgiving in the White House with a traditional menu starring turkey and six different kinds of pie, including Pumpkin Pie and Banana Cream Pie.  The Obamas will share their Thanksgiving with unidentified “friends, family and staff,” according to the White House.  The feast will be created with bounty from First Lady Obama's Kitchen Garden, according to assistant chef Sam Kass. Honey from the White House Beehive will also be used for the dishes. (Above: At Wednesday's Turkey Pardoning Ceremony, Malia pets Liberty as the President and Sasha look on)

"Like millions of Americans, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will spend the day eating great food, watching a little football, and reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are," President Obama said today.

In addition to turkey, the Thanksgiving table will be laden with ham, two kinds of stuffing, five side dishes including macaroni and cheese and green bean casserole, and dinner rolls. The show-stopping pies also include Apple, Cherry, Huckleberry, Sweet Potato, and Pumpkin. The President is a fanatic for pie, and Executive Pastry Chef Bill Yosses has said that Banana Cream Pie is his favorite.  Yosses' Apple Pie recipe is here.

2011 Obama Family White House Thanksgiving Menu

Turkey
Ham

Cornbread Stuffing
Oyster Stuffing

Side Dishes
Greens
Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Macaroni and Cheese

Dinner Rolls

Dessert
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Sweet Potato Pie
Banana Cream Pie
Cherry Pie
Huckleberry Pie

Like many Americans, the First Family enjoys the same Thanksgiving menu each year, and the 2011 menu is identical to the the 2010 menu the White House issued, as well as to the 2009 menu, minus the words "honey baked" in front of "ham."

In an annual Thanksgiving tradition, President Obama made calls to US military service members this morning, at around 9:00 AM ET from the Oval Office. The President's weekly address also thanked the troops, and today Mrs. Obama sent out an e-mail asking Americans to join the Joining Forces/USO "Thanks From Everywhere" campaign. (Above: The President made his calls to troops from the Oval Office)

On Wednesday morning, President Obama granted a Thanksgiving pardon to turkey Liberty and his alternate Peace during the annual White House ceremony. In the afternoon, the First Family packed holiday grocery bags at a local food bank.

President Obama's Thanksgiving address:



*Top photo by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama; second by Pete Souza/White House. National Turkey Federation Chairman Ricard Huisinga is in the Pardon Ceremony in the photo at top.

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Obama Makes Thanksgiving Calls To Troops

President calls 10 armed service members deployed in Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom...
In an annual Thanksgiving tradition, President Obama made calls to US military service members this morning, at around 9:00 AM ET from the Oval Office. (Above, in action)

According to the White House, “President Obama called 10 members of our armed services - two from each the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy - deployed in support of Operation New Dawn and Operation Enduring Freedom. The President thanked each of them for their service and sacrifice and wished them and their families a Happy Thanksgiving.”

The President's weekly address also thanked the troops, and today First Lady Michelle Obama sent out an e-mail asking Americans to join the Joining Forces/USO "Thanks From Everywhere" campaign.

On Wednesday morning, President Obama granted a Thanksgiving pardon to turkey Liberty and his alternate Peace during the annual White House ceremony. In the afternoon, the First Family packed holiday grocery bags at a local food bank.

*Photo by Pete Souza/White House

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First Lady Obama's 2011 Thanksgiving Message: Thank A Hero

Join the "Thanks From Everywhere" campaign...
President Obama's Thanksgiving Address honored America's Armed Forces, and First Lady Michelle Obama is asking Americans to do the same.

Mrs. Obama sent an e-mail and video this morning from the White House, asking Americans to thank members of the military for their service. The messages will be added to the "Thank You From Everywhere" map created by the USO and Joining Forces, Mrs. Obama's campaign to support military families.

"I can't think of any better way to spend Thanksgiving than letting our servicemembers know how grateful we are for everything that they do," Mrs. Obama wrote. "So this year...We've partnered with the USO to create a program called Thanks From Everywhere."

In her video, Mrs. Obama calls Jessica Allen, the wife of a service member injured in combat in Afghanistan.



The text of the First Lady's e-mail:

Good morning,

Every Thanksgiving, Barack sits down to call some of our troops and thank them for their service.

When he tells me about these conversations, it always reminds me of how blessed we are to live in a country where men and women will stand up to protect our freedoms and preserve our way of life. And whenever I've had the chance to meet with these heroes and their families, I've always walked away inspired by their courage and in awe of their strength.

I can't think of any better way to spend Thanksgiving than letting our servicemembers know how grateful we are for everything that they do. So this year, we're making it easy to do just that.

We've partnered with the USO to create a program called Thanks From Everywhere. To get involved, simply visit JoiningForces.gov/Thanks and write a quick note that troops and veterans all over the world will be able to see.

Add your message to Thanks From Everywhere.

Your note will be added to a map with messages from people all over the country, showing our troops and their families just how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

If we all do our part, we'll help to build a wave of support to honor our veterans and their families -- and ensure they get the recognition they deserve this holiday season.

At a time when we are sitting down to share the blessings we've received this past year, please take a moment to be a part of this effort to thank America's heroes and their families.

Send a message to Thanks From Everywhere today:

http://www.JoiningForces.gov/Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving,

Michelle Obama
##

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President Obama's Thanksgiving Address

The First Family will celebrate Thanksgiving at the White House today. In his third annual Thanksgiving address, President Obama "wishes the American people a happy Thanksgiving -- and gives a special thanks to the brave men and women serving overseas and those giving back to their communities during the holidays." Transcript after the jump.

On Wednesday morning, President Obama granted a pardon to turkey Liberty and his alternate Peace during the annual White House ceremony. In the afternoon, the First Family packed holiday grocery bags at a local food bank.

The transcript:

From my family to yours, I’d like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Like millions of Americans, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will spend the day eating great food, watching a little football, and reflecting on how truly lucky we truly are.

As Americans, each of us has our own list of things and people to be thankful for. But there are some blessings we all share.

We’re especially grateful for the men and women who defend our country overseas. To all the service members eating Thanksgiving dinner far from your families: the American people are thinking of you today. And when you come home, we intend to make sure that we serve you as well as you’re serving America.

We’re also grateful for the Americans who are taking time out of their holiday to serve in soup kitchens and shelters, making sure their neighbors have a hot meal and a place to stay. This sense of mutual responsibility – the idea that I am my brother’s keeper; that I am my sister’s keeper – has always been a part of what makes our country special. And it’s one of the reasons the Thanksgiving tradition has endured.

The very first Thanksgiving was a celebration of community during a time of great hardship, and we have followed that example ever since. Even when the fate of our union was far from certain – during a Civil War, two World Wars, a Great Depression – Americans drew strength from each other. They had faith that tomorrow would be better than today.

We’re grateful that they did. As we gather around the table, we pause to remember the pilgrims, pioneers, and patriots who helped make this country what it is. They faced impossible odds, and yet somehow, they persevered. Today, it’s our turn.

I know that for many of you, this Thanksgiving is more difficult than most. But no matter how tough things are right now, we still give thanks for that most American of blessings, the chance to determine our own destiny. The problems we face didn’t develop overnight, and we won’t solve them overnight. But we will solve them. All it takes is for each of us to do our part.

With all the partisanship and gridlock here in Washington, it’s easy to wonder if such unity is really possible. But think about what’s happening at this very moment: Americans from all walks of life are coming together as one people, grateful for the blessings of family, community, and country.

If we keep that spirit alive, if we support each other, and look out for each other, and remember that we’re all in this together, then I know that we too will overcome the challenges of our time.

So today, I’m thankful to serve as your President and Commander-and-Chief. I’m thankful that my daughters get to grow up in this great country of ours. And I’m thankful for the chance to do my part, as together, we make tomorrow better than today.

Thanks, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

###

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The First Family Visits Capital Area Food Bank For Thanksgiving Community Service

The Obamas work food distribution table, gift turkeys and White House M&Ms to surprised patrons...
On the chilly, drizzly eve of Thanksgiving, the First Family on Wednesday afternoon continued a longstanding tradition of holiday community service with a visit to Capital Area Food Bank in Northeast Washington, DC. President Obama, First Lady Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha and First Grandmother Marian Robinson chatted with patrons as they handed out recyclable green shopping bags full of holiday groceries to a crowd of excited visitors. (Above: The First Family in action)

"Happy Thanksgiving to you!" President Obama said repeatedly, and asked people their names and holiday plans.



The 4:30 PM outing came after a jocular turkey pardoning ceremony in the morning, where the President grinned his way through the annual reprieve for two lucky gobblers, Liberty and Peace. He was still filled with holiday spirit, and smiled, chatted and shook hands with the patrons who approached the long distribution table where he stood with his family, offering bags of baby carrots, grapes and apples from blue plastic tubs.

There was a special treat on offer, too: White House M&Ms were gifted to the delighted patrons, who were not informed that the Obama family would be at work. The special candy is in white boxes with a blue Presidential seal and President Obama's autograph.

The food bank donates 30 million pounds of food per year to those in need, according to the White House. Many of the patrons were regulars, according to pool, and surprised to see the First Family at work in the warehouse-style room, which was filled with stacked pallets and shelves of food boxes.

The President was clad casually in a dark blue shirt, the collar unbuttoned, and an unzipped jacket, and he admired a sharply dressed patron.

"Now that's a nice looking suit!" He told one man, who wore a beige pinstriped suit.

The First Lady wore a green and black dress with a maroon hooded sweatshirt. The girls had an outfit change from the morning's pardon ceremony, where their sparkling shoes had caught the attention of the press.

The White House said that members of the Oregon State basketball team were also at work during the hour the First Family visited. That, of course, is the team coached by Mrs. Obama's brother, Craig Robinson.

The President and Mrs. Obama donated two dressed turkeys to the food bank, given by Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, the White House said.

The Obama Family Thanksgiving celebration on Thursday will be at the White House. Update: The menu. On Friday, the winter holidays begin, as Mrs. Obama is presented with the Official White House Christmas Tree during during a ceremony by the North Portico. Update: The presentation.

The motorcade left the Capital Area Food Bank at 5:17 pm and, after an uneventful ride, arrived at the White House at 5:28 pm.

*Top photo by Pete Souza/White House; other photos & Video by AP/pool

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President Obama Grants Thanksgiving Pardon To Liberty And Peace...

Another Executive Action that doesn't require Congressional approval...
During a windy ceremony under the North Portico this morning, a smiling and jocular President Obama pardoned Liberty, the 2011 National Thanksgiving Turkey. Daughters Malia and Sasha joined their father to watch the brief exercise of Executive Power. Richard Huisinga, National Turkey Federation chairman presented the lucky 45-lb, 19-week-old tom to President Obama.

"Tomorrow is one of the best days of the year to be an American...but it's also one of the worst days of the year to be a turkey," President Obama said.

"They don't have it so good," he added, and riffed on his "we can't wait" push to take action without waiting for Congress.

"Some of you may know that recently I’ve been taking a series of executive actions that don’t require Congressional approval," President Obama ,said to laughter. "Well, here’s another one. We can’t wait to pardon these turkeys. Literally."

"Otherwise they’d end up next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing."

Liberty's alternate, Peace, was also granted a pardon. Read more about the turkeys here.

*The transcript of the President's remarks.

*Top photo by Chuck Kennedy/White House

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Transcipt & Video: President Obama's Remarks, 2011 National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardon

President Obama pardoned Liberty, a 45-lb, 19-week old turkey from Willmar Poultry Company in Willmar, Minnesota, during a morning ceremony under the North Portico. Liberty's alternate Peace was also pardoned but was not at the ceremony. Duaghters Malia and Sasha joined their father. Read more about the lucky gobblers and their FFA handlers. On the eve of their pardon, the turkeys stayed at the W hotel in Washington, DC.

The White House

_______________________________________

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release November 23, 2011

Remarks by the President at the Pardoning
of the National Thanksgiving Turkey

North Portico

10:40 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Hello, everybody! Well, it is wonderful to see all of you here today. Happy Thanksgiving, and welcome to the White House.

Tomorrow is one of the best days of the year to be an American. It’s a day to count our blessings, spend time with the ones we love, and enjoy some good food and some great company. But it’s also one of the worst days of the year to be a turkey. (Laughter.) They don’t have it so good.

The rare exception, of course, are the two birds who’ve joined me today. Now, is Peace here, or just Liberty? Just Liberty is here, but Peace is back here somewhere. Some of you may know that recently I’ve been taking a series of executive actions that don’t require Congressional approval. (Laughter.) Well, here’s another one. We can’t wait to pardon these turkeys. (Laughter.) Literally. Otherwise they’d end up next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing.

I want to thank Richard Huisinga, the Chairman of the National Turkey Federation, and his wonderful family for donating this year’s turkey from his farm in Willmar, Minnesota. The turkey’s name is Liberty -- there he is -- and along with his understudy named Peace, he has the distinction of being the luckiest bird on the face of the Earth. Right now, he’s also probably one of the most confused. (Laughter.)



Liberty was chosen from a flock of about 30 other contestants for the honor of being here today. And for the first time in history, these two turkeys were raised by four students from nearby Willmar High School.

Now, I’m told that in order to prepare Liberty and Peace for their big day, the students exposed them to loud noises and flash bulbs so that they’d be ready to face the White House press corps. This is actually true. They also received the most important part of their media training, which involves learning how to gobble without really saying anything. (Laughter.)

So Liberty is ready for his turn in the spotlight. And after he finishes a round of cable hits and a few Sunday shows, he’s going to retire to a life of leisure at Mount Vernon -- the same place where George Washington spent his golden years.

And later today, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will also be taking two unnamed turkeys, who weren’t so lucky, to a local food bank here in D.C. that helps those in need. And I want to thank the folks at Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, for donating these dressed birds for the third year in a row.

A great writer once called Thanksgiving the “one day that is ours … the one day that is purely American.”

When we gather around our tables tomorrow to share the fruits of our blessings, let’s remember what that means. Let’s be grateful for what we have. Let’s be mindful of those who have less. Let’s appreciate those who hold a special place in our lives, and make sure that they know it. And let’s think about those who can’t spend the holiday with their loved ones –- especially the members of our military serving overseas. I’d like to thank all our men and women in uniform and their families for their incredible service and devotion.

And that’s what being an American is all about. Even when times are tough, we look out for each other. We lift each other up. And we remind ourselves just how lucky we are here, together, in the greatest country on Earth.

So from our family to yours, I want to wish everybody a wonderful and happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

And now, since Liberty and Peace have been so patient, it is my privilege to grant them the official pardon. And I’m going to -- I’ve got to give them a little symbol. (Laughter.)

(The turkeys are pardoned.)

THE PRESIDENT: All right, you are hereby pardoned. (Laughter.) Give them a round of applause. (Applause.)

END
10:45 A.M. EST
##

*Top photo by Eddie Gehman Kohan, second by Chuck Kennedy/White House. National Turkey Federation chairman Richard Huisinga is with the President.

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Behind The Scenes At The Turkey Pardon...

It was a rainy and windy morning at the White House, and staff had to mop the North Portico before rolling President Obama's podium into place before he could pardon Liberty, the National Thanksgiving Turkey. This year is the second time the event took place under the North Portico, rather than in the Rose Garden, where it is traditionally held. The President's first Turkey Pardon, in 2009, was also under the North Portico.

read more "Behind The Scenes At The Turkey Pardon..."

Today: President Obama Will Pardon "Liberty," The 2011 National Thanksgiving Turkey

After a night at the W hotel, the glorious Minnesota gobbler is ready to make history...
UPDATE, Nov. 23: Read about the perfect Pardon Ceremony
Liberty is the name of the 2011 National Thanksgiving Turkey that President Obama will pardon at 10:30 AM this morning during a special ceremony under the North Portico at the White House, it can now be revealed. Ahead of his star turn in the decades-long White House tradition, started in 1947, the magnificent, 20-week-old, 45-lb Minnesota tom made his Washington debut on Tuesday afternoon, acting impressively regal--and calm--as he met the media and a handful of excited tourists in the rooftop lounge at the W, the tony Washington, DC hotel. (Above: Liberty looks out at the White House, before enjoying special W "gourmet" turkey chow)

With 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue glimmering in the foggy distance, the fine fellow strutted his stuff for close to an hour, joined by the four FFA (Future Farmers of America) teens who have raised him under the guidance of National Turkey Federation chairman Richard Huisinga, co-owner of Willmar Poultry Farms, in Willmar, Minnesota. That's where the tom was hatched on July 7th, into a special Presidential Flock with 34 companions. Liberty's alternate is Peace, and he also stayed at the W, and will be at the White House today. They're "hybrid broad-breasted white” turkeys.

This year marks the 64th anniversary of the Federation's National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation and Pardon.

Last week, a different tom from the Presidential Flock got a little feisty during a pardon ceremony with Minnesota's Governor Mark Dayton, flapping his wings and astonishing the gathered crowd in a momentary escape attempt. But Liberty was a model citizen during his Tuesday debut. The months of training the FFA students have poured into prepping him for the Pardon Ceremony have paid off: The glorious gobbler was immune to the noise and flash photography surrounding him as he met his enthusiastic public. Above, from left, the FFA students are Preston Asche, Brenna Ahlquist, Brianna Hoover, and Val Brown.

In addition to their care duties for the Presidential Flock, the teens spent weeks sitting in the two huge pens where the gobblers lived at Agforte farm, getting the toms used to human contact--as well as plenty of noise and lights.

"We played ringtones, and flashed cameras at them," said Hoover.

Led Zeppelin's song "Kashmir" got an especially big response from the toms, said Willmar's Jenn Baumgartner, who joined the kids as a chaperone.

The turkeys have very distinct personalities, said Brown.

"They're very smart, and curious. Some were more aggressive than others."

The toms were driven to DC in a special van that replicated their living quarters; their human counterparts flew.

Turkey room service? Yes, says the W...
Why was the turkey meet n' greet at the W hotel? Liberty stayed there ahead of his Presidential moment, of course. Yes, really: For the second year in a row, the W--which has both a good sense of humor and a strong devotion to US history--ensconced Liberty and Peace in a special room, from which furniture had been removed so they could spend the night in the lap of luxury. The National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation and Pardon ceremony has gone on through 11 Administrations, a tradition started in 1947. The W was thrilled to host the turkeys, said Ed Baten, the W's General Manager. The hotel gets an incredible amount of publicity by playing up the "pampered poultry" angle.

During his media meet n' greet, Liberty dined on gourmet turkey chow, "specially prepared by the hotel chef," said Baten, with a blend or organic soy beans and cranberries. Minus a spa visit, the turkeys were afforded all the amenities that guests enjoy at the W, Baten said, and laughed when asked if the minibar in the birds' room was intact: No, the turkeys were not enjoying shots of Wild Turkey during their visit, Baten said.

The turkeys actually spend the night in a room that has been cleared of most furniture, with a special enclosure installed so they don't injure themselves. The floor is covered with straw and bedding. They eat their regular turkey chow, lest they get ill.

Today marks the 12th time a Minnesota turkey receives a Presidential pardon, something President Obama joked during last year's ceremony is "one of the most important duties that I carry out as President." Minnesota is the largest turkey producer in the US, thanks to the massive Willmar Poultry, which is responsible annually for 45 million of Minnesota's 47 million birds. (Above: President Obama pardoning Apple the turkey in 2010)

The company is a breeding operation, focusing for the last six decades on genetics, biotechnology, and vaccines, and is an affiliate company Life-Science Innovations. Its fast-growing, meaty birds are sold to farmers as day-old poults, who then raise them. The US produces 244 million turkeys a year; Willmar sells about 600,000 poults weekly. Americans will eat 46 million turkeys on Thanksgiving Day. 2005 was the last year a Minnesota bird had the distinction of a Presidential pardon.

The Pardon ceremony is typically held in the Rose Garden, though in 2009 President Obama granted his first turkey pardon from beneath the safety of the North Portico, because it was raining. The historic "front porch" of the White House, the North Portico is where world leaders arrive to enter the halls of power. Today's ceremony will be under the North Portico, too: It's been raining for two days in DC. Liberty will no doubt perform just fine, inclement weather notwithstanding.

What happens to the rest of the Presidential Flock?
The remaining members of Willmar's Presidential Flock will be "processed" next week, and donated to a local food pantry in Willmar, said Steven H. Olson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. They'll be providing sustenance for hundreds of families. The teens, after their months of close contact with the birds, are unperturbed by the prospect of bidding their companions farewell.

"It's part of the education element of the FFA program," said Olson. "These kids were raising food animals. That's something that's important for everyone: Knowing where your food comes from."

A life at Mount Vernon...
Knowing where your food is going is also important. After President Obama grants his pardon, Liberty and Peace will not be processed. The turkeys will live out their days in the nationally recognized livestock facility at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, the glorious, historically preserved farm/estate of the first American President, George Washington. The bird will be on display during the seasonal holiday program, Christmas At Mount Vernon, through Jan. 6, 2012. The historically preserved plantation estate is located in Virginia, about a half hour from the White House. The President's 2010 turkeys, Apple and his alternate Cider, were sent there last year, in a first for National Turkey duos. Previously, the birds were sent to be the Grand Marshals of the Disneyland Thanksgiving Parade.

Apple and Cider died last March, according to a Mount Vernon spokesman, living for less than a year after their Presidential pardon. Like Liberty and Peace, they were also "hybrid broad- breasted white" turkeys, and these birds are bred solely to be food animals, gaining weight fast and having a short life span. Liberty and Peace are expected to live no more than a year, according to a Willmar spokesman.

Related: Much more about the history of presidents and turkeys is in this post.

Update: The First Family visited Capital Area Food Bank on Wednesday afternoon to participate in a Thanksgiving community service event, helping pack holiday meals for the needy. The 2011 White House Thanksgiving menu is here.

*Photos by Eddie Gehman Kohan/Obama Foodorama

read more "Today: President Obama Will Pardon "Liberty," The 2011 National Thanksgiving Turkey"

The Bidens Host Early Thanksgiving Dinner For Wounded Warriors

Vice President: Taking care of veterans is a "sacred obligation"...
Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden welcomed twelve Wounded Warriors to an early Thanksgiving dinner on Monday afternoon at their Washington, DC, residence. The guests--primarily Marines who served in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province--were joined by their parents or spouses at the Naval Observatory. They sat around two large tables in the dining room as they had a traditional feast: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and pumpkin pie. (Above: The Bidens welcome their guests)

Many of the service members were in wheelchairs and missing limbs, having been wounded in 2010 and 2011. They are still recovering, and in treatment and being outfitted with prostheses at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda. The Vice President welcomed the men and women by telling them that they are an "inspiration" to all Americans, and “part of the finest group of warriors that the world has ever seen.”

He promised that President Obama and all future presidents will be committed to making sure that they will have access to any medical breakthroughs that can improve their lives or help them heal.

“We have only one true sacred obligation and that is to provide for those of you we send into harm’s way, and give you every single solitary thing that you could possibly need to make the transition back home reasonable and workable," Biden said. "That is the only truly, truly sacred obligation we have.”

When he was done, the Vice President gave the microphone to his wife, who spoke of her own experiences as the mother of a deployed soldier. The Bidens' son, Captain Beau Biden, of the Delaware Army National Guard, is a veteran of the Iraq war. With First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Biden leads the Joining Forces initiative to support and honor military families. (Above: Dr. Biden speaking with Lance Cpl. Joshua Misiewicz)

“I know what it was like to look down our family table and see my son missing,” Dr. Biden said. “I know what you families have gone through when your loved ones are deployed and I know what it feels like…I know how other families are feeling this Thanksgiving.”

During dinner, the Vice President sat between Lance Cpl. Stephen Ayhens, who lost both his legs when he stepped on a buried bomb, and Lance Cpl. William Carpenter, who was injured by a hand grenade. Dr. Biden sat beside Lance Cpl. Joshua Misiewicz.

Shortly after the meal began, Misiewicz and his mother broke away to talk to reporters in a small living room on the first floor. Misiewicz played hockey while growing up in Chicago, and lost both of his legs above the knee when he stepped on a buried bomb on a foot patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan in July. He has already been outfitted for prostheses at Walter Reed. Just last Thanksgiving, he was working at Camp Pendleton, outside of San Diego, and getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan.

“This is so nice,” Misiewicz said of the dinner. “It shows a lot of people care.”

His mother, Nancy Misiewicz, also chimed in with thanks for the Bidens.

“Nothing compares to a home-cooked meal.”

This is the third year the Bidens have welcomed Wounded Warriors for Thanksgiving.

*Photos by the Office of the Vice President. *Updated

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Turkey Trot: Gobbler From Presidential Flock Tries To Escape Minnesota Pardon Ceremony

Feathers might be flying at Wednesday's Rose Garden ceremony when President Obama pardons the National Thanksgiving Turkey if the behavior of one gobbler from the specially trained Presidential Flock is any indication. On Friday, "Ted," a feisty tom raised by Willmar Poultry Company in Minnesota, made a break for it during a pardon ceremony with Governor Mark Dayton in the State Capitol. Sen. Amy Klobuchar was on hand as Ted fled his cage and flapped his way into the crowd. (Above: Klobuchar, center laughs as the turkey heads for the hills; Dayton is at right)

Like all wannabe National Turkeys, the 35 members of Willmar's Presidential Flock have been trained for weeks to be able to appear in public, with plenty of human interaction and exposure to flash cameras and noise. Ostensibly the official National Turkey--which is not Ted, but a different bird that will be selected by and presented to President Obama by Richard Huisinga, co-owner of Willmar and chair of the National Turkey Federation--is the best behaved of the lot.

On Friday, after a few moments of mirth, the 45-pound Ted was retrieved and re-penned by one of the FFA (Future Farmers of America) students who has helped raise him, reported the StarTribune. The turkeys were born on July 7, and Ted's youthful hijinks caused a lot of laughter from the crowd--and from Klobuchar and the Governor.

After his escape plan was foiled, Ted sat on a table as the Governor and Klobuchar petted him for the cameras. He received his reprieve in due course, though there was one more moment of wing-flapping on the table.

While Gov. Dayton said during the ceremony that he was pardoning Ted so the gobbler can be pardoned by President Obama, it doesn't quite work that way. (Above: Klobuchar reacts as Ted spreads his wings while on the pardon table)

The actual National Turkey--and an alternate--are currently being driven to Washington, DC, to share the spotlight with President Obama. They'll be staying at a luxury hotel during their visit.

The gobblers are hybrid broad-breasted white turkeys, and have been cared for by four teens participating in the FFA program at Willmar High School. They are just two of the 45 million turkeys produced by Willmar Poultry each year. Read more here about the Presidential Flock and their journey to the White House.



Minnesota's The Uptake posted a video of the escape attempt. Both StarTribune and The Uptake repeated the Governor's assertion that Ted is the tom being pardoned at the White House, but to repeat, it's a different turkey who will be pardoned by President Obama.

*Photos by Glen Stubbe for the StarTribune; Video from The Uptake

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President Obama's Proclamation: National Farm-City Week, 2011

For the second year in a row, President Obama has issued a Proclamation declaring Thanksgiving week as National Farm-City Week. For 2011, it runs from Nov. 18-24, and is intended to "celebrate the essential contributions of farmers and ranchers" and "recommit to a prosperous and sustainable future for American agriculture."

 "As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let us pay tribute to the men and women whose hard work brought the bounty we find before us from farm to fork," President Obama said.

 He discusses the establishment last Spring of the White House Rural Council, hailing its efforts to create jobs.

"We have worked to cultivate local and regional food systems, empower young and beginning farmers, and support rural businesses," President Obama said.

The President also mentions the importance of renewable fuels for rural economies.

"By finding new ways to harness homegrown fuels in small towns and on family farms, we can create new jobs, improve our energy security, and unlock additional sources of income for farmers."

The President's Proclamation:

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

____________________________

For Immediate Release

November 18, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

With tenacity, resilience, and humility, our farmers and ranchers have helped drive our Nation's growth for generations. Season after season, their careful stewardship and dedication brings an abundance of wholesome food, plentiful fiber, a stronger economy, and new opportunities to secure our clean energy future. During National Farm-City Week, we celebrate the essential contributions of farmers and ranchers to our country's well-being and recommit to a prosperous and sustainable future for American agriculture.

As our urban centers continue to grow, we look to our fields and ranches to supply our markets and families with fresh, healthy food. To help our farming communities meet the challenges of the 21st century, I established the White House Rural Council earlier this year. By partnering with leaders in rural America, we have worked to cultivate local and regional food systems, empower young and beginning farmers, and support rural businesses. Together, we stand with our rural communities and reaffirm our commitment to their continued success.

To make a lasting investment in our Nation's energy future, my Administration is taking action to promote renewable energy production across rural America. As part of a comprehensive strategy to build our clean energy economy, we are working to produce more renewable, domestic biofuels and to help bring solar panel arrays and wind turbines to rural businesses. By finding new ways to harness homegrown fuels in small towns and on family farms, we can create new jobs, improve our energy security, and unlock additional sources of income for farmers.

This week, we honor the individuals, families, and communities who provide us the staple foods that sustain our Nation. As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let us pay tribute to the men and women whose hard work brought the bounty we find before us from farm to fork.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 18 through November 24, 2011, as National Farm-City Week. I call upon all Americans to reflect on the vital contributions of those who dedicate their lives to promoting our Nation's agricultural abundance and environmental stewardship.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

##

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President Obama Will Grant 2011 Thanksgiving Pardon To Minnesota Turkeys

For the first time in history, FFA students help raise the specially trained Presidential Flock...
UPDATE, Nov. 23: Meet Liberty, the 2011 National Thanksgiving Turkey
UPDATE 2, Nov. 23: Read about the perfect Pardon Ceremony
Two glorious gobblers will be spared the fate of the Thanksgiving plate when they're granted an official pardon from President Obama during a Rose Garden ceremony at 10:30 AM next Wednesday, Nov. 23, to "celebrate the 64th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation." The decades-old White House tradition is "one of the most important duties that I carry out as President," Mr. Obama joked at last year's event, which has been orchestrated by the National Turkey Federation (NTF) since 1947. (Above: The President pardoning last year's turkey with daughters Malia and Sasha)

Chairman Richard Huisinga will present the yet-to-be-named turkey to the President. The tom and his alternate will be selected from a 35-member Presidential Flock that has been raised by Huisinga's family-owned Willmar Poultry Company at AgForte farm in Willmar, Minnesota.

Turkeys from Minnesota have starred in the White House pardon ceremony eleven previous times, NTF spokesperson Sherrie Rosenblatt told Obama Foodorama, most recently in 2005. The lucky toms, hatched on July 7th, are "hybrid broad-breasted white” turkeys that have been specially trained for their White House debut by a group of teen FFA (Future Farmers of America) members. The gobblers will be ensconced at a DC luxury hotel during their visit. Yes, really: Last year's Top Toms had a swank stay at the W hotel. (Above: One of the Presidential Turkeys, just days old)

Minnesota is the largest turkey producer in the US, thanks to the massive Willmar Poultry, which is responsible annually for 45 million of Minnesota's 47 million birds. The company is a breeding operation, focusing for the last six decades on genetics, biotechnology, and vaccines, and is an affiliate company Life-Science Innovations. Its fast-growing, meaty birds are sold to farmers as day-old poults, who then raise them. America produces 244 million turkeys a year; Willmar sells about 600,000 poults weekly.

Dancing With The Stars...er, the turkeys...
The National Turkey--who is always male--will weigh about 45 pounds by the time he meets President Obama. Huisinga will select the official turkey and his feathery stunt double on Nov. 18th, the day before they are driven to Washington for their moment in the Presidential spotlight, according to Wilmar spokesman Jenn Baumgartner. A second turkey is always chosen in case the first gets ill, or can't "perform his duties."

Last year, President Obama likened the selection process to a popular reality TV series, noting that the wannabe National Turkeys had to "strut their stuff for a panel of judges."

"It’s kind of like a turkey version of “Dancing With the Stars," except the stakes for the contestants was much higher," President Obama said, to laughter. "Only one pair would survive and win the big prize: Life --and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington."

FFA students raise the Presidential Flock...
In a twist that Rosenblatt said is a first for the National Turkey Federation, four students from Willmar High School who are members of FFA (Future Farmers of America) have been charged with many of the responsibilities for the Presidential Flock. The two girls--Brenna Ahlquist and Brianna Hoover, and two boys--Val Brown and Preston Asche--have also been on a tour of Minnesota schools to introduce some of the Presidential birds to youngsters, many of whom have never had the opportunity to visit a farm. They've discussed their months of work raising the turkeys. (Above: Team Obama Turkey)

"I'm so proud of these kids," Baumgartner said. "They've taken this very seriously."

Training the turkeys: Rock & Roll!
The flock has been raised in identical conditions to turkeys that are sold to the public, with plenty of vitamin-enriched Minnesota corn and soy and water, in an open pen with a flooring of litter that allows full movement and plenty of light, according to Baumgartner.

"They eat as much as they want, and grow really fast. But they're raised just like commercial birds."

Well, sort of: Commercial birds are typically raised in flocks of about 10,000 in massive poultry barns. And the Presidential Flock has undergone weeks of training with the FFA students to ensure that the two who visit the White House will be unruffled. There's always a huge scrum of media on hand to capture the historic moment when the President meets poultry, and the training is designed to ensure the National Turkey will keep calm and carry on, so to speak.

The FFA teens have spent loads of time in the pens with the Presidential Flock, exposing the toms to plenty of flash cameras, and plenty of noise--in the form of rock & roll music. The birds have also been taught to stand on a table, to replicate what goes on at the pardon ceremony, when the National Turkey is placed on a table for easy presidential access. (Above: One of the FFA students with a Presidential Turkey during the taming training)

"They're getting a lot of hands-on attention," Rosenblatt said.

The turkeys will travel to Washington in the back of a van that has been designed to replicate their pen on the farm. Once in DC, the turkeys will be staying at a five-star hotel, which has requested anonymity to protect the birds. The FFA kids will also be traveling to Washington for the ceremony, and Baumgartner will be along as a chaperone.

Name that turkey!...
The White House will announce the name of the National Turkey and the alternate on the day of the ceremony. The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association has been running a name-that-turkey contest for state residents, and the White House will ostensibly select the birds' names from their short list. Last year President Obama pardoned a California turkey named Apple, and his alternate was Cider. President Obama's 2009 turkey, raised in North Carolina, was named Courage, and his double, though also a tom, was Carolina. Other Presidential turkey duos have been named Marshmallow and Yam, Flyer and Fryer, Pumpkin and Pecan. (Above: The Presidential Flock)

After the ceremony, the turkeys will live out their days in the nationally recognized livestock facility at Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, the glorious, historically preserved farm/estate of the first American President, George Washington. It's located in Virginia, about a half hour from the White House. Apple and Cider were sent there last year, in a first for National Turkey duos; previously, the birds were sent to be the Grand Marshals of the Disneyland Thanksgiving Parade.

Related: In 2009, President Obama's first pardoning ceremony was held under the North Portico, because it was raining. Much more about the history of presidents and turkeys is in this post.

*Top photo by pool; others courtesy of Minnesota Turkey Growers Association

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