US President Joe Biden marked his 81st birthday by pardoning two large turkeys, named Liberty and Bell, sparing them from slaughter.
As Americans prepare to observe Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, complete with turkey feasts, gravy and related assortments adorning their tables, President Biden granted clemency to Liberty and Bell, weighing 19.2kgs and 19kgs, respectively.
“These birds have a new appreciation for the word ‘Let freedom ring’,” he said while speaking at the annual White House Thanksgiving tradition.
“That’s a big bird, man. I’m impressed…I hereby pardon Liberty and Bell. Congratulations birds.”
Liberty and Bell were raised under the care of the National Turkey Federation and spent a peaceful night at the Willard Hotel, situated near the White House before receiving pardon.
Following their pardon, the turkeys are slated to “retire” at the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resource Sciences in St. Paul.
Biden mentioned that the turkey pardoning tradition began 76 years ago, but as it coincided with his birthday on Monday, he was not present for the inaugural event.
The rumours of turkey pardoning have historical roots dating back to Abraham Lincoln’s administration. The story goes that Lincoln’s son requested a pardon for a pet turkey slated for their Thanksgiving dinner.
The inaugural turkey pardon was officially granted by John F. Kennedy in 1963, although it didn’t become a regular tradition until 1989 when George Bush revived the practice.
“I want you to know I wasn’t there at the first one. I was too young to make it up,” he said.