WASHINGTON—Turkeys Liberty and Bell have new appreciation for the phrase, “Let freedom ring.”
The Thanksgiving birds played their part Monday in annual White House tradition that this year coincided with President Joe Biden’s 81st birthday: a president issuing a pardon and sparing them from becoming someone’s holiday dinner.
First, President Biden—the oldest president in U.S. history—wanted to make light of his age.
“By the way, it’s my birthday today,” the president said, adding that guests in the Oval Office sang “Happy Birthday” to him before the event. “I just want you to know, it’s difficult turning 60. Difficult.”
He also noted that the presentation of a National Thanksgiving Turkey to the White House has been a tradition for more than seven decades.
“This is the 76th anniversary of this event, and I want you to know I wasn’t there at the first one,” President Biden said. The Democrat’s age has become an issue as he seeks reelection next year.
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Before issuing the pardons, President Biden said that although Liberty and Bell are Minnesota natives, they were named for the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
“These birds have a new appreciation for…
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