presidential turkey pardon

In 2011, LSI Executive VP, Rick Huisinga, served as Chairman of the National Turkey Federation and given the honor of presenting President Obama with the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a pardoning ceremony at the White House. LSI worked with Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the local FFA to promote the event. Four Willmar High School FFA students helped care for and tame a selected flock of toms in preparation for the big day. The two chosen birds were affectionately known in Minnesota as Ted and Ray, though the White House officially named them Liberty and Peace. After the ceremony, Liberty and Peace retired to the farm at Mount Vernon.


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