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In his final act as president, Biden decided to pardon turkeys as a fun tradition. Despite political differences, he took the opportunity to express gratitude to the nation for allowing him to serve as president.
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President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a White House ceremony, expressing thanks for his time as commander in chief. He mentioned previous turkeys he had pardoned and announced that Peach and Blossom would be pardoned this year. He also noted that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and expressed gratitude for his time as president.
Authored by Zach Montague
Reporting Live from the
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 tradition and expressed gratitude for the country.
During the brief speech, a few jokes and funny 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.
During the speech, the president stood next to Peach, whose loud noises were captured by the microphone, often drowning out Mr. Biden’s speech and causing the audience to laugh.
"The president mentioned that Peach is requesting something urgently," stated the president.
Mr. Biden, wearing his iconic aviator sunglasses, shared with the crowd on the South Lawn of the White House that his motto is to stay calm and enjoy feasting. He also listed the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his time in office.
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 his retirement from public service after over five decades.
"This is the final time I will address you as your president during this time, and express my appreciation and thanks," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to convey that serving as your president has been the greatest honor of my life. I will always be thankful."
On Monday, the president and first lady had plans to continue a 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 advantage of this moment to pause our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
Before taking pictures with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months hinted at changes to the norms and traditions that Mr. Biden valued as president. 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 giving up is never an option. It is important to continue moving forward and maintaining hope.
Zach Montague works as a journalist for The New York Times, reporting on topics such as the U.S. Department of Education, the White House, and federal courts. To learn more about Zach Montague, visit his
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