Thanksgiving was established as a national Holiday on Oct. 3, 1863. At the time, President Loncoln decided it would take place annually on Nov. 26, which changed to the last Thursday of November for every following year. The U.S. also pardoned their first turkey that year.

It is known throughout the United States that Turkey is commonly the main dish on a thanksgiving spread; however, not all of these birds have to be sacrificed for a dish. Every year, the President pardons one or two lucky birds a few days before the Holiday.  While they are in Washington D.C., they enjoy royal treatment and are even given a room at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel. 

As part of the tradition, each spared turkey is given a name. A few fun ones in the past include “Marshmallow” and ”Yam,” by Former President George W. Bush; “Tater” and ”Tot,” by Former President Obama; and “Drumstick” and ”Wishbone,” by Former President Trump. This year, President Biden Pardoned “Liberty” and ”Bell”. 

Liberty and Bell were chosen from a farm in Willmar, Minnesota. After their luxurious stay in Washington D.C., the birds will retire to their home state at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where the faculty of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences has been preparing for months to receive them.

Some Turkeys can have a happy ending on thanksgiving after all.