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Biden pardoned turkeys for the final time during his presidency, taking a break from politics to express gratitude to the nation for allowing him to serve.
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President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a White House ceremony, expressing gratitude for his time as commander in chief. He mentioned past turkeys he had pardoned and announced that Peach and Blossom would be pardoned this year based on their good behavior. Biden also spoke about the start of the holiday season in Washington and expressed his gratitude for serving as president.
Written by Zach Montague
Writing from the nation
On Monday, President Biden took eight minutes to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the long-standing 77-year-old tradition and expressing 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 giving a speech next to Peach, whose loud noises were heard over the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden and causing the audience to laugh.
"The president mentioned that Peach is urgently requesting something," said the president.
"His personal mantra is ‘stay composed and keep eating,’" Mr. Biden shared with spectators on the South Lawn of the White House, wearing his iconic aviator sunglasses as he listed the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his four years in office.
The president changed his demeanor to a more somber one to recognize the significant truth that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his presidency and potentially the conclusion of his career in public service after over five decades.
This will be the final time I address you as your president during this time, and express my appreciation and thanks," Mr. Biden stated. "I want to tell you that serving as your president has been the greatest honor of my life. I am thankful forever."
On Monday, the president and first lady had plans to continue a tradition of serving food at a holiday celebration with friends. This year, they joined 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 expressed the importance of pausing our hectic schedules to prioritize our families in this moment.
Before taking photos with Peach at the ceremony, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months hinted at potential changes to the norms and traditions that President Biden valued. Despite the uncertainty in Washington, Biden offered a straightforward and non-political message to those in attendance.
He expressed that in America, people always persevere and never give up. They continue moving forward and maintain their belief.
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, visit his profile.
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