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Biden granted clemency to turkeys for the final time during his presidency. Putting political differences aside, the president used the playful event as a chance to express gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve.
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President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a traditional White House ceremony and expressed his appreciation for serving as the leader of the country. This year, the turkeys Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell were pardoned, and now Peach and Blossom will also be set free. President Biden pardoned Peach and Blossom based on their behavior and dedication to being productive members of society. This event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and President Biden’s last time speaking as president during this time. He expressed his gratitude and thanked everyone for the honor of serving as president.
Authored by Zach Montague
Writing from the capital
President Biden made a brief appearance on Monday to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the long-standing tradition and taking a moment to express gratitude for the nation.
The brief speech, which contained only a few jokes and witty remarks, paid tribute to Peach and Blossom, two large birds weighing over 40 pounds each, named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president was speaking next to Peach, whose loud gobbling could be heard on the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden and causing the audience to laugh.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request at this moment," he stated.
During a gathering on the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Biden shared that he follows the motto "keep calm and gobble on." He was wearing his signature aviator sunglasses as he listed the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his four years in office.
The president shifted to a more solemn demeanor to recognize the bittersweet truth that the holiday season signified the conclusion of his time in office, and potentially the conclusion of his long career in public service spanning over five decades.
"This is my final opportunity to address you as your president during this time and express my appreciation," Mr. Biden remarked. "I want to tell you that serving as president has been the greatest honor of my life. I am grateful beyond words."
On Monday, the president and the first lady planned to continue a tradition by serving food at a holiday celebration with friends. This year, they were 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, including his son Beau, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested that we take advantage of this moment to pause our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
The uncertainty in Washington D.C. was not discussed, but President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration suggested that many norms and traditions celebrated by Mr. Biden as president would be changed. Before taking photos with Peach, he gave attendees at the ceremony a simple and non-political message.
He expressed that in America, we always persevere and have unwavering determination. It is important to continue moving forward and maintain belief in ourselves.
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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