November 18, 1988
The President. What'd you say? [Laughter] Well, here it is Thanksgiving again and all the things that we have to be thankful for at this time. I think in terms of family and home and children and all of that. And if they don't know already that Mr. Walts is the executive vice president of the National [Turkey] Federation -- --
Mr. Walts. Yes, sir.
The President. -- -- and that this turkey's name is Woody. [Laughter] And Woody is not going to go on the platter. [Laughter] He's going to go back to Evans Mill -- is that right?
Mr. Walts. Evans Farm Inn.
The President. Evans Farm.
Mr. Walts. It's a pet farm.
The President. Yes, where he'll stay and finally be able to grow up. [Laughter] Ooops! Well, Woody, it's nice to see you here.
Mr. Walts. Mr. President, we certainly appreciate you -- --
The President. Well -- --
Mr. Walts. Actually, you'll be retiring January 20th, and I'll be retiring January 16th, so we're going out together. [Laughter]
Mr. Hermanson. Thank you for 8 good years.
Mr. Walts. Absolutely.
The President. Thank you very much.
Mr. Hermanson. There's a lot of Iowa corn in that turkey.
The President. Yes.
Note: The President spoke at 2:01 p.m. in the Rose Garden at the White House. Gordon L. Walts and Peter Hermanson, the federation's president, presented the turkey.