CONTACT: Sherrie Rosenblatt
Director of Public Relations
202-898-0100 x233
E-mail: srosenblatt@turkeyfed.org

NTF Chairman Presents U.S. President with "Stars"
The National Thanksgiving Turkey

WASHINGTON — November 24, 2003 — President George W. Bush and National Turkey Federation (NTF) Chairman Bob Wright continued a 56-year old holiday tradition today with the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation.

Wright presented Bush with “Stars,” a 21-week old, 45-pound tom. The turkey’s name was chosen by visitors of the White House Web site who voted on their favorite names for the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate.

NTF President Alice L. Johnson, D.V.M., joined President Bush and Wright at the White House Rose Garden for the annual Thanksgiving presentation.

The annual presentation of the National Thanksgiving Turkey to the president has become a traditional holiday ritual in the nation’s capital, signaling the unofficial beginning of the holiday season and providing the president an opportunity to reflect publicly on the meaning of the Thanksgiving season.

“We’re honoring the beginning of the holiday season. It speaks well for America that one of our most important holidays is set aside for sharing and appreciating our blessings,” said President Bush. “Even in times of hardship, we see all around us gifts to be thankful for; our families and friends, the beautiful land we call home, and the freedom granted to us all.”

President Bush then “pardoned” the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate“ Stripes.” Both birds were raised in Carthage, Mo., under the supervision of Wright. Wright delegated the day-to-day responsibilities of raising the birds to Dr. James Stockham and Tom Fix. Stockham and Fix handled the National Thanksgiving Turkey at the presentation ceremony.

Wright said he was honored to participate in the historic presentation and he was pleased with the chosen names for the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate. “I am proud to represent the U.S. turkey industry in this very important ceremony and present ‘Stars’ to President Bush,” said NTF Chairman Bob Wright. “It was exciting to be part of the new cyber-twist that allowed the American people to name the turkey, and its alternate, ‘Stripes,’ who both symbolically represent America and honor our military during this holiday.”

Wright’s wife Kathy and his four children joined him at the White House. Wright is currently the executive vice president of the turkey division Pilgrim’s Pride Co., of Pittsburg, Texas.

After the pardon, the National Thanksgiving Turkey and the alternate bird were donated to Kidwell Farm, a Northern Virginia replica working-farm of the 1930s era. The birds have been donated to the farm since 1990.

Jaindl’s Turkey Farm in Orefield, Pa., gave the first family two dressed turkeys, packaged in specially designed Cryovac/Sealed Air Corporation bags, to enjoy at their Thanksgiving dinner.

###

The National Turkey Federation is the advocate for all segments of the U.S. turkey industry. It's award winning web site www.eatturkey.com offers successful on-line professional chef cooking demonstrations and a searchable database of more than 300 recipes that exhibit turkey's versatility as a profit-building item, which enhances menus in all meal occasions during every season of the year. Operators can also go to www.eatturkey.com to sign up for the RecipE-mail program to register and receive unique recipe ideas that add flair to holiday and special occasion menus year-round.