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President Biden performed his final turkey pardoning ceremony as he approached the end of his term. Regardless of political affiliations, he took the opportunity to express gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve as president.
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President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a traditional White House ceremony and expressed his gratitude for serving as the commander in chief. He mentioned that he had been pardoning turkeys for the past four years and now Peach and Blossom will also join the free birds of the United States. He pardoned them based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society. Biden also mentioned that this event marks the start of the holiday season in Washington and it is his last time speaking as president during this season. He thanked everyone and expressed his gratitude, saying it has been the honor of his life.
Written by Zach Montague
Updating from the capital
President Biden made a brief appearance on Monday to grant pardons to two Thanksgiving turkeys. He mentioned the long-standing tradition that has been going on for 77 years and took a moment to express gratitude to the nation.
During the brief speech, only a few jokes and humorous remarks were made to acknowledge Peach and Blossom, two large birds weighing over 40 pounds each. They were named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, which are the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president addressed the audience next to Peach, whose loud gobbling was heard over the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden and causing laughter among the people present.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a plea at the last minute," stated the president.
Mr. Biden shared with the crowd on the South Lawn of the White House that his motto is to stay calm and enjoy eating, as he listed the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his four years in office, all while wearing his characteristic aviator sunglasses.
The president shifted to a more solemn demeanor to recognize the bittersweet realization that the upcoming holidays signified the final chapter of his presidency, and potentially the conclusion of his long career in public service spanning over 50 years.
"This will be the final time I address you as your president during this period, and express my appreciation and thanks," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to express that it has been the greatest privilege of my life. I am eternally thankful."
On Monday, the president and first lady planned to continue their tradition of serving food to friends celebrating the holiday together. This year, they were with members of the Coast Guard and their families on Staten Island. During this event, President Biden took a moment to honor those who have lost loved ones, including his son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested that we take a break from our hectic schedules to prioritize our families and what is most important in our lives.
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months has created uncertainty in the nation’s capital, as there are expectations of significant changes to the norms and traditions that President Biden valued during his time in office. Despite this, President Biden shared a straightforward and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony before taking photos with Peach.
He expressed that in America, it is important to never lose hope and to persevere no matter what challenges come our way.
Zach Montague is a journalist for The Times who reports on the U.S. Department of Education, the White House, and federal courts. To learn more about Zach Montague, visit his profile on The Times’ website
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