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President Biden granted clemency to two turkeys in a traditional Thanksgiving ceremony before leaving office. Regardless of political beliefs, the president expressed gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve as president one last time.
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President Biden has officially pardoned two turkeys in the White House ceremony, expressing his gratitude for being the commander in chief. He mentioned that in the past four years, he has pardoned other turkeys named Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell, and now Peach and Blossom will also be pardoned. This event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and it is also Biden’s last time speaking as president during this season. He expressed his gratitude and thanks, saying it has been the greatest honor of his life.
Written by Zach Montague
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President Biden made an appearance on Monday that lasted for eight minutes to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys. He briefly acknowledged the 77-year-old tradition and took a moment to express gratitude to the country.
The brief speech, containing only a few jokes and funny remarks, acknowledged Peach and Blossom, two birds weighing over 40 pounds each, who 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, who was making noise that could be heard on the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden and causing laughter from the audience.
"The president mentioned that Peach is requesting something urgently," stated the president.
Mr. Biden shared with the crowd gathered on the South Lawn of the White House that he follows the motto "keep calm and gobble on." He was wearing his iconic aviator sunglasses as he listed off the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his four years in office.
The president adopted a somber demeanor to recognize the significant fact that the holiday season signaled the final phase of his presidency, and potentially the conclusion of his long career in public service spanning over five decades.
"This will be the final time I address you as your president during this time, and express my thanks and appreciation," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to convey that serving as your president has been the greatest privilege of my life. I will always be thankful."
On Monday, the president and the first lady planned to continue a tradition by serving food to friends gathered to celebrate the holiday. This year, they celebrated 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.
He suggested using this moment to pause from our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
Prior to taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months hinted at changes to the norms and traditions that President Biden valued. Despite the uncertainty in Washington, President Biden shared a straightforward and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony.
He expressed that in America, perseverance and determination are valued, emphasizing the importance of never giving up and maintaining faith in the face of adversity.
Zach Montague is a journalist for the Times who reports on the U.S. Department of Education, the White House, and federal courts. For more information about Zach Montague, please visit his profile on the Times website
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