Governor Branstad (left) helps a granddaughter at the turkey pardon ceremony.
Governor Terry Branstad will be hosting his family’s Thanksgiving celebration today.
“Thanksgiving is a special holiday, it’s truly an American holiday where we really celebrate the founding of our nation, the pilgrims coming to America, the hardships that they overcame,” Branstad says. He says the holiday is a time to reflect on what we have.
“I think it’s also an important time for us to just say thanks to everyone who has done so much to give us the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy in this country — especially our military veterans,” according to Branstad.
The governor will be joined by his wife Chris, his kids and grandkids and some special friends for the holiday. He has this message for Iowans. “We wish a very blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving to all Iowa families,” Branstad says.
Branstad pardoned two turkeys earlier this week in an annual ceremony, but he does plan to have the traditional turkey on his plate for the big dinner. “I’m a white meat eater, and my role is carving the turkey. Chris basically prepares it and I carve it,” Branstad explains. “We have other members of the family bring other food items as well.”
The governor is attending the annual community Thanksgiving service at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines today where parishioners dress in period garb. That service begins at 10 A.M.