Liberty and Bell. Guests of honor on arrival for a night’s stay at the historic Willard Hotel a couple blocks from the White House. These are big birds, Liberty at 42.5 pounds and Bell at 42.1.
President grants pardons, then homeward bound
WASHINGTON — A pair of Minnesota-born turkeys err, that’s “Minnesota-hatched” turkeys – received pardons from President Biden and will be spared being roasted for Thanksgiving. The ceremony marked a whirlwind week for Liberty and Bell from their home roost in Willmar, Minnesota. They went to Washington in a black stretch limousine. They received a red carpet welcome at the ritzy Willard Hotel in downtown Washington and spent the night. The ceremony was — well, ceremonial — on the White House south lawn. Biden’s German shepherds were kenneled far away. Once the ceremony was concluded, Liberty and Bell were on their way back to Minnesota. They will live out their days at the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences in St. Paul under the care of veterinary students and professionals. Domestic turkeys typically live eight years. Liberty and Bell were chosen for pardons by the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association from a Jennie-O farm near Willmar.