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President Biden granted clemency to turkeys for the final time during his presidency. Putting politics aside, he took the opportunity during the cheerful event 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 ceremony at the White House, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as commander in chief. He mentioned previous turkeys that he had pardoned in the past and announced that Peach and Blossom would be the latest turkeys to be pardoned. This event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and also serves as Biden’s final address as president during this time. He expressed his gratitude and stated that serving as president has been the honor of his life.
Written by Zach Montague
Writing from the nation
President Biden made an appearance on Monday to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, continuing a 77-year-old tradition. He briefly reflected on the significance of the event and expressed gratitude to the country.
During the brief speech, only a few jokes and witty 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 speaking next to Peach, whose loud gobbling could be heard over the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing laughter among the audience.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request at the last moment," stated the president.
At the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Biden shared with the crowd his motto of "keep calm and gobble on", wearing his usual aviator sunglasses as he listed the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his four years in office.
The president shifted to a more somber mood to recognize the significant fact that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his time as president, and potentially the conclusion of his career in public service following more than five decades.
"This is the final time I will address you as your president during this time, and express my thanks and appreciation," mentioned Mr. Biden. "I want to tell you that it has been the greatest privilege of my life. I am eternally thankful."
On Monday, the president and first lady were planning to continue their tradition of serving food at a holiday celebration with friends. 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, specifically mentioning his son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
"Let’s take this opportunity to pause from our hectic schedules and prioritize our families," he expressed.
Before taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months hinted at potential changes to the norms and traditions that Mr. Biden valued during his presidency. Despite the uncertainty in Washington, Mr. Biden shared a straightforward and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony.
He expressed that in America, perseverance is key and we never lose hope. We continue to move forward and maintain our belief in better outcomes.
Zach Montague is a journalist for the Times who reports on the U.S. Department of Education, the White House, and federal courts. For further information about Zach Montague, please refer to his bio.
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