On his 81st birthday, President Biden is observing a White House tradition by pardoning Thanksgiving turkeys.

President Joe Biden is dedicating a portion of his 81st birthday to uphold the White House tradition of granting clemency to Thanksgiving turkeys.

The White House was eagerly awaiting the arrival of two Thanksgiving turkeys on Monday, marking a cherished annual tradition where the President spares them from becoming part of a holiday feast. Steve Lykken, Chairman of the National Turkey Federation and President of the Jennie-O Turkey Store, expressed excitement about kicking off the holiday season with this unique honor in an interview with The Associated Press.

This year’s event, taking place on the South Lawn instead of the Rose Garden, symbolizes the unofficial commencement of the holiday season in Washington. The day was particularly eventful as President Joe Biden, the oldest president in U.S. history, celebrated his 81st birthday. In the afternoon, First Lady Jill Biden received the official White House Christmas tree, an impressive 18-and-a-half foot Fraser fir from Fleetwood, North Carolina.

Liberty and Bell, the two turkeys in the spotlight, were introduced at the Willard Intercontinental, a luxury hotel near the White House. The turkeys, housed in a suite at the hotel since their red-carpet arrival in a black Cadillac Escalade from Minnesota, were showcased at the Willard’s Crystal Room on Sunday. Raised in Willmar, Minnesota, as part of the “presidential flock,” these 20-week-old, 42-pound male turkeys were prepared for the occasion by listening to music and other sounds.

Lykken assured that Liberty and Bell, affectionately known as “Swifties” for their appreciation of Taylor Swift, were ready for the festive atmosphere. The tradition, dating back to 1947, initially involved presenting a National Thanksgiving Turkey to President Harry Truman for the family’s consumption. Over the years, it evolved into a lighthearted ceremony where the turkeys are pardoned, avoiding the Thanksgiving table.

After President Biden pardons Liberty and Bell, they will return to Minnesota, cared for by the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences. With over 200 million turkeys consumed on Thanksgiving, the ceremonial pardon adds a touch of humor and compassion to the holiday season.

President Biden, continuing a family tradition, will enjoy his Thanksgiving turkey with family on Nantucket. Before the holiday, he and First Lady Jill Biden hosted an early Thanksgiving meal for service members and their families at Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia. Markus Platzer, the Willard’s general manager, highlighted the hotel’s involvement in introducing the turkeys as the “highlight of the year,” bringing smiles to people’s faces amid global challenges.