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President Biden participated in his final turkey pardoning ceremony before leaving office. He took the opportunity to express gratitude to the country for allowing him to serve as president. The event was lighthearted and free from political tensions.
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Biden grants clemency to two turkeys in a White House ceremony, thanking them for their service during his presidency. He pardoned Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell in the past four years, and now Peach and Blossom will also be pardoned. This event signifies the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and President Biden’s final time speaking as president during this time. He expresses gratitude for the honor of serving as president.
Written by Zach Montague
Updating from the nation
President Biden made a brief appearance on Monday to grant pardons to two Thanksgiving turkeys, continuing a tradition that has been around for 77 years. He also took a moment to express gratitude for the country.
During a short speech, only a few jokes and witty remarks were made to acknowledge Peach and Blossom, two birds weighing over 40 pounds each. They were named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, which are the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president spoke next to Peach, whose loud noises could be heard through the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing laughter among the audience.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a plea at the last minute," was stated.
While at the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Biden shared with observers his motto of "keep calm and gobble on." He was wearing his signature aviator sunglasses as he listed off the names of the turkeys he had pardoned during his four-year term.
The president shifted to a more somber mood to recognize the bittersweet fact that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his presidency, and potentially the end of his career in public service spanning over five decades.
"This will be the final time I speak as your president during this time, and I want to 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 thankful forever."
On Monday, the president and first lady planned to continue their tradition of serving food at a holiday gathering with friends, this year including members of the Coast Guard and their families on Staten Island. During this event, President Biden took a moment to acknowledge those who have experienced the loss of a family member, specifically mentioning his son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested taking a break from our hectic schedules to prioritize our families in this moment.
Prior to taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months hinted at significant changes to the norms and traditions that President Biden frequently praised. Despite the uncertainty in Washington D.C., President Biden left those at the ceremony with a straightforward and non-political message.
He expressed that in America, we always persevere no matter what obstacles we face. He emphasized the importance of persistence and maintaining 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.
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