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By NATASHA METZLER Associated Press Writer Washington (AP) After 10 months in office, President Barack Obama granted his first pardon to "Courage," a turkey spared the Thanksgiving table.

Accompanied by daughters Sasha and Malia, Obama honored a White House holiday tradition that dates to Harry Truman's time as president.

The president said, "Thanks to the intervention of Malia and Sasha, because I was planning to eat this sucker, Courage will also be spared this terrible and delicious fate." He said "Courage" is pardoned, "before I change my mind" and will get to live out his life in Disneyland. Obama paid tribute to the military men and women serving around the world.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-25-09 1049CST | save this article / add to your favorites list