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Bush gives turkeys a break for Thanksgiving

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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In annual White House tradition, President Bush on Wednesday granted a reprieve for a turkey -- and its alternate -- so that they can spend the rest of their lives at Disneyland.

The two birds, which online voters on the White House Web site anointed "Flyer" and "Fryer," were raised on a farm in Monett, Missouri. They weigh about 30 to 35 pounds each.

"Flyer" earned the distinction of National Thanksgiving Turkey. (Watch "Flyer," as he gets saved from the turkey table )

Later Wednesday, the two birds will fly -- onboard a plane -- to Anaheim, California, where they will serve as honorary grand marshals for the next day's Thanksgiving Day parade at the theme park.

"I am granting a full presidential pardon so they can live out their lives as safe as can be," Bush said before an audience that included Girl Scouts and other children.

The present Rose Garden ceremony dates to 1947, when President Truman received the first National Thanksgiving Turkey for a pardon.

In a brief speech, Bush called Americans a "grateful people."

"We're grateful for our beautiful land. We're grateful for a harvest big enough to feed us all, plus much of the world. We're grateful for our freedom. We're grateful for our families. And we're grateful for life itself," he said. (Watch Bush offer his Thanksgiving blessings )

He also commended U.S. military personnel, whom he said "have set aside their own comfort and convenience and safety to protect the rest of us."

"Their courage keeps us free. Their sacrifice makes us grateful. And their character makes us proud," Bush said.

"Especially during the holidays, our whole nation keeps them and their families in our thoughts and prayers."

No word on whether Bush will eat turkey for Thanksgiving -- or the Tofu turkey the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals reportedly sent him, according to The Associated Press.

Copyright 2006 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

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