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Biden participated in his final turkey pardoning ceremony as President. Putting politics aside, he used the event as a way to express gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve as President one last time.
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President Biden granted clemency to two turkeys during a White House ceremony, expressing gratitude for serving as commander in chief. He mentioned that over the past four years, he has pardoned several pairs of turkeys, and this year, Peach and Blossom will be joining the free birds of the United States of America. The decision to pardon these turkeys was based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society. President Biden also mentioned that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and it is his last time speaking as president during this season. He thanked everyone for the honor and expressed his gratitude.
Written by Zach Montague
Writing from the nation
On Monday, President Biden spent eight minutes pardoning two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the 77-year-old tradition and taking a moment to express gratitude towards the country.
The short speech, containing only a few jokes and humorous remarks, honored two large birds named Peach and Blossom. These birds were named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, which are the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president stood next to Peach, a turkey whose loud noises could be heard over the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing the audience to laugh.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request," stated.
Mr. Biden shared with spectators on the South Lawn of the White House that he follows the motto of staying calm and enjoying the moment. He wore his usual 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 demeanor to recognize the emotional truth that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his presidency and potentially the conclusion of his career in public service lasting over five decades.
"This will be the final time I address you as your president during this time, and express my appreciation," Mr. Biden stated. "I want to convey to you that serving as president has been the greatest honor of my life. I am eternally thankful."
On Monday, the president and the first lady planned to continue a tradition by serving food at a holiday celebration with friends, this time 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 experienced loss, specifically mentioning his late son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested that we seize this moment to pause from our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months is causing uncertainty in the nation’s capital. This event may lead to changes in the norms and traditions that President Biden often praised during his time in office. Despite this uncertainty, President Biden shared a simple and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony before taking photos with Peach.
He expressed that in America, perseverance is key and giving up is not an option. He emphasized the importance of continuing forward and maintaining belief in oneself.
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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