President Barack Obama today accepted the National Thanksgiving Turkey from National Turkey Federation Chairman John Burkel of Badger, Minnesota. The presentation has occurred each year since 1947. “This is a quintessentially American holiday, and during this time we give thanks to our friends and our family, for citizens who show compassion to those in need, and for neighbors who help strangers they’ve never met. We give thanks for the blessings of freedom and opportunity that previous generations worked so hard to secure for. And we give thanks for the service and sacrifice of our brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation around the world,” said President Obama. Keeping with tradition, the president immediately pardoned the turkey, “Popcorn” and its alternate, “Caramel”. Names for the birds were suggested by school children through the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association. Read More