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President Biden granted clemency to turkeys for the final time before leaving office. Regardless of political views, he took the chance during a fun event to express gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve as president.
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President Biden has officially pardoned the last turkeys of his presidency in a White House ceremony, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as commander in chief. He mentioned that over the past four years, he has pardoned various pairs of turkeys such as Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, and Liberty and Bell. This year, Peach and Blossom have been pardoned based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society. President Biden also noted that this event signals the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and it is his last time speaking as president during this season. He expressed his gratitude and thanks, saying it has been an honor and he is forever grateful.
Written by Zach Montague
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On Monday, President Biden made an eight-minute appearance to officially pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the 77-year-old tradition and taking a moment to express gratitude for the country.
The brief speech highlighted Peach and Blossom, two large birds weighing over 40 pounds each, named after the peach blossoms in Delaware, which is the official flower of President Biden’s state.
The president was talking next to Peach, whose loud noises were heard on the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden and causing laughter among the audience.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final appeal," stated the president.
At the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Biden shared with spectators his motto of ‘staying calm and enjoying the moment’ as he listed off the names of the turkeys he had pardoned during his four years in office, all while wearing his iconic aviator sunglasses.
The president’s demeanor shifted to a more somber tone as he recognized the bittersweet truth that the holiday season signified the final chapter of his presidency and potentially the conclusion of his long career in public service spanning over five decades.
"This will be my final address as your president during this time, where I express my thanks and appreciation," remarked 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 personal tradition by serving food to friends celebrating the holiday together. This year, they joined members of the Coast Guard and their families on Staten Island. During this time, President Biden also 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 that we use this opportunity to pause our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months suggests a potential change in the norms and traditions that President Biden valued. Despite the uncertainty in Washington, President Biden offered a simple and non-political message to attendees at the ceremony before taking photos with Peach.
He stated that in America, we always persevere and have faith, no matter what challenges we face.
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, click here.
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