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Biden’s Farewell Pardon: A Presidential Tradition Continues

In Citizen
November 28, 2024

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President Biden has pardoned turkeys for the last time during his presidency. Despite political differences, he took the opportunity during the light-hearted ceremony to express his gratitude to the nation for allowing him to serve as president.

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President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a ceremony at the White House, thanking them for their service as commander in chief. He mentioned that over the past four years, he had pardoned other turkeys named Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell. This year, he granted clemency to Peach and Blossom. Biden also noted that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president. He ended his speech by saying that it has been an honor and he is thankful for the experience.

Authored by Zach Montague

Writing from the nation

On Monday, President Biden took eight minutes to grant pardons to two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the 77-year-old tradition and expressing gratitude to the country.

During a brief speech, a few jokes and funny remarks were made to honor 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 was talking next to Peach, and the sound of Peach’s gobbling was captured by the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing the audience to laugh.

"The president mentioned that Peach is making a plea at the last minute," he stated.

Mr. Biden shared with people on the South Lawn of the White House his motto of "remaining calm and enjoying food" while wearing his famous aviator sunglasses and listing off the names of the turkeys he has pardoned during his four years in office.

The president’s demeanor shifted to a more somber one as he recognized the bittersweet fact that the holiday season signified the final chapter of his time in office and potentially the conclusion of his long career in public service spanning over five decades.

"This is the final time I will speak as your president during this time, and express my thanks and appreciation," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to express that it has been the greatest honor of my life. I will always be thankful."

On Monday, the president and the first lady planned to continue their tradition of serving food at a holiday celebration with friends, this time 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, specifically remembering his son Beau, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.

He suggested that we should take a break from our hectic schedules and prioritize spending time with our loved ones.

Ignoring the doubts and confusion in Washington, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration hinted at major changes to the norms and traditions that President Biden valued. Despite this, he shared a straightforward and nonpartisan message with attendees at the ceremony before taking photos with Peach.

He expressed that in America, people always persevere and never give up, continuing to have faith and keep moving forward.

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, click here.

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