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President Biden pardoned turkeys for the final time during his presidency. Despite political differences, he used the playful 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 and expressed his gratitude for being the leader of the country. He mentioned that over the past four years, he has pardoned several pairs of turkeys, including Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell. This year, Peach and Blossom were pardoned based on their good behavior. Biden also noted that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and it was his last time speaking as president during this time. He thanked the people for the honor of serving as president.
Written by Zach Montague
Reporting live from the
President Biden made a brief appearance on Monday to grant pardons to two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the long-standing 77-year-old tradition and taking a moment to express gratitude to the nation.
The brief speech, containing only a few jokes and witty remarks, honored Peach and Blossom, two large birds weighing over 40 pounds each, named after the peach blossoms of Delaware, which is the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president stood next to Peach, a turkey whose loud noises could be heard on the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing laughter from the audience.
"The president mentioned that Peach is asking for something urgently," stated the president.
Mr. Biden shared with the crowd gathered on the South Lawn of the White House that his motto is to remain calm and enjoy eating. He was wearing his signature aviator sunglasses as he listed off the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his four years in office.
The president shifted to a more solemn tone to recognize the bittersweet truth that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his presidency and potentially the conclusion of his career in public service, which spanned over five decades.
"This will be my final opportunity to address you as your president this season and express my appreciation," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to convey that serving as your president has been the greatest honor of my life. I am eternally thankful."
On Monday, the president and first lady planned to continue a tradition by serving food at a holiday gathering with friends. This year, they celebrated with members of the Coast Guard and their families on Staten Island. During the 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 opportunity to pause our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months suggested potential changes to the norms and traditions that President Biden valued. Despite the uncertainty in Washington, Biden shared a straightforward and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony before taking photos with Peach.
He expressed that in America, people never give up and always persevere. They continue to move forward and hold onto their beliefs.
Zach Montague is a journalist for the Times who reports on the U.S. Department of Education, the White House, and federal courts. Learn more about Zach Montague.
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