Two Thanksgiving turkeys named Liberty and Bell, received a Presidential pardon at a White House ceremony on Monday November 20th. This was the 76th year of the event initiated during the administration of President Harry S. Truman. The birds were transported to Washington, DC. by Steve Lykken, CEO of Jennie-O Turkey Store in Wimar, MN. and currently Chairman of the NTF.
After their brief exposure as the center of attraction they will be spared the axe and will live out the remainder of their lives at a suitable location, usually a Land Grant university poultry research farm.