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Want Some Caramel With That Popcorn?

If you like caramel on your popcorn, you can appreciate this. (Or you may never think of the two items the same way again).

This year, the president pardons two Thanksgiving turkeys, Caramel and Popcorn. 



Last year's turkeys were named Cobbler and Gobbler.

If you're wondering how Caramel and Popcorn got their names, continue reading.

From the White House:

The names of the turkeys were chosen from submissions from elementary schools in Roseau County, Minnesota, where the turkeys were raised.  This year, the American public once again decided which of the two turkeys – Caramel or Popcorn – would become the 2013 National Thanksgiving Turkey by casting a vote for #TeamCaramel or #TeamPopcorn on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Popcorn won the title of National Thanksgiving Turkey.

As the long-standing tradition continues, the two turkeys (both 20 weeks, and weigh around 30 pounds) will be selected to live out their days at Mount Vernon, instead of on someone's Thanksgiving plate, where they will be on display for visitors during “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a traditional program through January 6

The turkeys will then travel to their permanent home at Morven Park’s Turkey Hill, the historic turkey farm located at the home of former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis (1918-1922) in Leesburg, Virginia.   

Last year's ceremony saw sunshine and fair temps, unlike todays' rainy and cold weather that forced the ceremony from the Rose Garden to the North Portico of the White House.

Great color by ABC News.  (The pardoning begins at the 6:00 min mark).



In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday, the First Family will partake in a service event later in the day at the Capital Area Foodbank. 

The president prepared a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation that reads as follows:
 

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - 

A PROCLAMATION

Thanksgiving offers each of us the chance to count our many blessings -- the freedoms we enjoy, the time we spend with loved ones, the brave men and women who defend our Nation at home and abroad. This tradition reminds us that no matter what our background or beliefs, no matter who we are or who we love, at our core we are first and foremost Americans.

Our annual celebration has roots in centuries-old colonial customs. When we gather around the table, we follow the example of the Pilgrims and Wampanoags, who shared the fruits of a successful harvest nearly 400 years ago. When we offer our thanks, we mirror those who set aside a day of prayer. And when we join with friends and neighbors to alleviate suffering and make our communities whole, we honor the spirit of President Abraham Lincoln, who called on his fellow citizens to "fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union."

Our country has always been home to Americans who recognize the importance of giving back. Today, we honor all those serving our Nation far from home. We also thank the first responders and medical professionals who work through the holiday to keep us safe, and we acknowledge the volunteers who dedicate this day to those less fortunate.

This Thanksgiving Day, let us forge deeper connections with our loved ones. Let us extend our gratitude and our compassion. And let us lift each other up and recognize, in the oldest spirit of this tradition, that we rise or fall as one Nation, under God.

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 Thursday, November 28, 2013, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage the people of the United States to join together -- whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place of fellowship for friends and neighbors -- and give thanks for all we have received in the past year, express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own, and share our bounty with others.

--

What's On The Obama's Thanksgiving Table This Year?

Per the White House, the Obama family Thanksgiving menu will feature:

Turkey Honey-Baked Ham,

Cornbread Stuffing
Oyster Stuffing
Greens
Macaroni and Cheese
Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Dinner Rolls
  
Huckleberry Pie
Pecan Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie
Sweet Potato Pie
Peach Pie
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Banana Cream Pie
Coconut Cream Pie


Happy Thanksgiving. 

----
Next Up
More Holiday at the White House

The Holiday festivities continue on Friday when First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia will accept the 2013 White House Christmas Tree.  

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