President Obama pardons the Thanksgiving turkey in 2009.

OK, that “resident” is a turkey.

The fowl that the president traditionally “pardons” in a Thanksgiving ceremony hails this year from Rockingham County. (And note there’s an an alternate — an understudy turkey?)

Here’s a release from the White House:

On Wednesday, November 21, President Obama will pardon the National Thanksgiving Turkey in a ceremony in the Rose Garden. The President will celebrate the 65th anniversary of the National Thanksgiving Turkey presentation, reflect upon the time-honored traditions of Thanksgiving, and wish American families a warm, safe, and healthy holiday. The 2012 National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate were raised on the farm of Craig and Nancy Miller in Rockingham County, Virginia.

After the pardoning, the National Thanksgiving Turkey and its alternate will be driven to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. The National Thanksgiving Turkey will be on display for visitors during “Christmas at Mount Vernon,” a special program through January 6th. After the holidays, the turkeys will live in a custom-made enclosure at Mount Vernon’s nationally recognized livestock facility.