President Joe Biden carried on a long-standing tradition by pardoning two turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving. The ceremony, held at the White House Rose Garden, showcased the birds, who will now live out their days at a sanctuary rather than on dinner tables.
The turkeys, selected from a group raised specifically for the event, were named Liberty and Bell this year. During the lighthearted event, Biden joked about their importance to the holiday while reflecting on the significance of Thanksgiving as a time for unity and gratitude.
This annual ritual, dating back to President John F. Kennedy, is both a symbol of holiday cheer and a moment of reflection on American traditions. The pardoned birds serve as a reminder of the nation’s agricultural heritage while also bringing levity to the Thanksgiving season.
