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Biden granted clemency to turkeys for the final time during his presidency. Regardless of political views, the president expressed gratitude to the country during the cheerful event for allowing him to serve.
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President Biden pardoned a pair of turkeys in a traditional White House ceremony, expressing thanks for his role as commander in chief. He mentioned his past pardons of other turkeys and announced that Peach and Blossom would now join the ranks of pardoned turkeys. He also noted that the event marked the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and expressed gratitude for his time as president. Biden closed by saying it had been an honor and he was thankful.
Written by Zach Montague
Coverage from the nation
President Biden made a brief appearance on Monday to officially pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys. He acknowledged the long-standing tradition, which has been around for 77 years, and took a moment to express gratitude to the nation.
During the brief speech, only a few jokes and witty remarks were made to acknowledge Peach and Blossom, two large birds weighing over 40 pounds each. They were named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, which are the official flower of President Biden’s state.
During the event, the president was speaking next to a turkey named Peach. Peach’s loud gobbles were heard over the microphone multiple times, often drowning out Mr. Biden’s speech and causing the audience to laugh.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request at this moment," stated the president.
At the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Biden shared with the crowd his motto of "keep calm and gobble on" as he listed off the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his four years in office, all while wearing his trademark aviator sunglasses.
The president shifted to a more solemn demeanor to recognize the bittersweet truth that the holiday season signaled the conclusion of his time as president and potentially the end of his decades-long career in public office.
"This will be the final time I address you as your president during this time, and express my thanks and appreciation," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to tell you that serving as your president has been the greatest privilege of my life. I will always be thankful."
On Monday, the president and first lady planned to continue their annual tradition of serving food at a holiday celebration with friends. This year, they joined 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 the loss of a family member, specifically mentioning his son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested that we take advantage of this moment to pause from our hectic schedules and prioritize our families.
Before taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump did not discuss the uncertainty in the nation’s capital or the impending changes to norms and traditions that President Biden often praised. Instead, he left attendees at the ceremony with a straightforward and non-political message.
He expressed that in America, people always persevere and never give up, continuing to have faith and move 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, click here.
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