Prom
Backed by
For the final time as president, Biden granted clemency to turkeys. Putting political differences aside, the president took part in a cheerful event to express gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve.
written record of
President Biden pardoned a pair of turkeys at a White House ceremony, thanking them for their service. He mentioned past turkeys he had pardoned and announced Peach and Blossom as the latest recipients of clemency. Biden also reflected on the holiday season and expressed gratitude for his time as president. He ended by thanking the audience and saying it had been an honor for him.
Written by Zach Montague
Writing from the capital
President Biden made an appearance on Monday to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, continuing a tradition that has been in place for 77 years. He briefly reflected on the significance of the tradition and expressed gratitude for the country.
During the brief speech, a few jokes and witty remarks were made to honor Peach and Blossom, two 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 stood next to Peach, whose loud gobbling noises could be heard over the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing laughter among the audience.
"The president noted that Peach is making a final request," he stated.
Mr. Biden shared with the crowd on the South Lawn of the White House that his motto is to remain calm and keep eating. He also mentioned the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his time in office, all while wearing his characteristic aviator sunglasses.
The president shifted to a more somber demeanor to recognize the bittersweet truth that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his presidency, and potentially the conclusion of his decades-long career in public service.
"This will be my final speech as your president during this time, and I want to express my thanks and appreciation," remarked Mr. Biden. "I want to tell you that serving as president has been the greatest honor of my life. I am thankful beyond words."
On Monday, the president and the first lady were planning to continue a tradition by serving food at a holiday gathering 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, including his son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested that we should take advantage of this moment to pause our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
Before taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months hinted at a potential change in the norms and traditions that President Biden valued. Despite the uncertainty in Washington D.C., President Biden shared a brief and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony.
He expressed that no matter the circumstances, Americans always persevere and have unwavering belief in staying determined and resilient.
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, please visit his bio on The Times website
Prom
Guide to Site
Navigation Details