“On behalf of Michelle, Sasha, Malia and myself, I want to wish everybody a wonderful and happy and safe Thanksgiving,” President Obama said during the White House’s annual turkey pardoning ceremony today(November 24th).

His daughters Sasha,9, and Malia,12, were in attendance for the pardoning of Apple and Cider, the two lucky turkeys.

“And now, it is my great honor, as well, to give Apple and Cider a new lease on life. So as President of the United States, you are hereby pardoned from the Thanksgiving dinner table. May you have a wonderful and joyful life at Mount Vernon. God bless you and God bless the United States of America,” he added.

Photos:Reuters