President Bush Pardons Iowa Turkey, with a Smile

President George W. Bush stands by as Nathan Hill of Circle Hill Farms from Ellsworth, Iowa, who holds 'Pumpkin' the turkey during the Pardoning of the National Thanksgiving Turkey ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 26, 2008 at 2:08 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 26, 2008 at 5:42 PM CST

WASHINGTON (AP) - With a smile and some nostalgic words, President George W. Bush spared the national Thanksgiving turkey, honoring a tradition that dates to Harry Truman's presidency.

The 45-pound bird named "Pumpkin" through an online vote, behaved quietly while the president presided over a Rose Garden ceremony today.

The other name on the ticket, a backup bird with the chosen name of "Pecan," was nowhere to be seen.

Both birds were raised at Circle Hill Farms in Ellsworth, Iowa.

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