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Biden granted clemency to turkeys for the final time during his presidency. Putting politics aside, the president utilized the light-hearted event to express gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve.
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President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a White House ceremony, continuing a tradition of granting clemency to the birds. He expressed appreciation for being the leader of the country. This year, the turkeys named Peach and Blossom were pardoned based on their behavior and contribution to society. The event signifies the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and marked President Biden’s last speech as president during this time. He thanked the audience and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president.
Written by Zach Montague
Updating from the capital
President Biden made an appearance on Monday for eight minutes to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the 77-year-old tradition and taking a moment to express gratitude to the country.
The short speech, featuring only a few jokes and witty remarks, acknowledged Peach and Blossom, two large birds weighing over 40 pounds each, named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, which are the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president was speaking next to a turkey named Peach, whose loud noises were captured on the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing the audience to laugh.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request," was the statement made.
Mr. Biden shared with the crowd on the South Lawn of the White House that he follows the mantra of "keep calm and gobble on." He was wearing his usual aviator sunglasses as he listed off the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his time in office.
The president’s demeanor shifted to a more somber tone as he recognized the significant fact that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his presidency and potentially the conclusion of his career in public service, spanning over five decades.
"This is the final time I will address you as your president during this time, and express my thanks and appreciation," Mr. Biden stated. "I want to tell you that it has been the greatest privilege 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 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 expressed the importance of pausing from our hectic schedules to prioritize our families in this moment.
Before taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months hinted at potential changes to the norms and traditions that Mr. Biden valued during his presidency. Despite the uncertainty in the nation’s capital, Mr. Biden shared a straightforward and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony.
He expressed that Americans always persevere and never give up, continuing to have faith and keep moving forward.
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 on The Times.
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