It's an annual White House event dating back decades - pardoning a turkey just before the Thanksgiving holiday. This year President Obama pardoned "Liberty". 　　"Tomorrow is one of the best days of the year to be an American. It's a day to count our blessings, spend time with the ones we love, and enjoy some good food and some great company. But it's also one of the worst days of the year to be a turkey." 　　"Some of you may know that recently I've been taking a series of executive actions that don't require Congressional approval. (Laughter.) Well, here's another one. We can't wait to pardon these turkeys. (Laughter.) Literally. Otherwise they'd end up next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing." 　　When we gather around our tables tomorrow to share the fruits of our blessings, let's remember what that means. Let's be grateful for what we have. Let's be mindful of those who have less. Let's appreciate those who hold a special place in our lives, and make sure that they know it. And let's think about those who can't spend the holiday with their loved ones -- especially the members of our military serving overseas. I'd like to thank all our men and women in uniform and their families for their incredible service and devotion." 　　But many other turkeys will not be free in what has been a growing $14 billion industry. According to the National Turkey Federation, some 46 million turkeys were consumed on Thanksgiving last year. On the business side, turkey producers are facing higher feed costs and wholesale turkey prices have reportedly hit a high per pound this year, but many supermarkets are not passing that on to consumers, instead choosing to keep prices low, in hopes that consumers will spend enough on side dishes and desserts to make up the difference.