From the White House to Disney Land and then to Afghanistan.

Now, the National Turkey Federation has been bringing its finest turkeys to the White House for more than 50 years.  I'm told Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson actually ate their turkeys.  You can't fault them for that; that's a good-looking bird.  (Laughter.)  President Kennedy was even given a turkey with a sign around its neck that said, "Good Eatin', Mr. President."  But he showed mercy and he said, "Let's keep him going."  And 20 years ago this Thanksgiving, the first President Bush issued the first official presidential pardon for a turkey.

Today, I am pleased to announce that thanks to the interventions of Malia and Sasha -- because I was planning to eat this sucker -- (laughter) -- "Courage" will also be spared this terrible and delicious fate.  Later today, he'll head to Disneyland, where he'll be grand marshal of tomorrow's parade.  And just in case "Courage" can't fulfill his responsibilities, Walter brought along another turkey, "Carolina," as an alternate, the stand-in.

Now, later this afternoon, Michelle, Malia, Sasha and I will take two of their less fortunate brethren to Martha's Table, an organization that does extraordinary work to help folks here in D.C. who need it the most.  And I want to thank Jaindl's Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pennsylvania, for donating those dressed birds for dinner.  So today, all told, I believe it's fair to say that we have saved or created four turkeys.  (Laughter.)

You know, there are certain days that remind me of why I ran for this office.  And then there are moments like this -- (laughter) -- where I pardon a turkey and send it to Disneyland.  (Laughter.)  But every single day, I am thankful for the extraordinary responsibility that the American people have placed in me.  I am humbled by the privilege that it is to serve them, and the tremendous honor it is to serve as Commander-in-Chief of the finest military in the world -- and I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to every service member at home or in harm's way.  We're proud of you and we are thinking of you and we're praying for you.