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President Biden has pardoned turkeys for the final time during his presidency. Putting politics aside, he used the light-hearted event as an opportunity 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 as commander in chief. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to pardon Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell in the past four years. Today, Peach and Blossom are also granted freedom. The decision was based on their behavior and contribution to society. Biden mentioned that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and it is his last time speaking as president during this time. He expressed his gratitude and thanks, saying it has been an honor for him.
Written by Zach Montague.
Writing from the nation
On Monday, President Biden took eight minutes to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging the longstanding 77-year-old tradition and expressing gratitude for the country.
During the brief speech, only a few jokes and 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 home state.
The president gave a speech next to a turkey named Peach, whose loud sounds were captured by the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden and causing laughter from the audience.
The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request at this moment.
On the South Lawn of the White House, Mr. Biden shared that he follows the motto "keep calm and gobble on." He wore his iconic aviator sunglasses as he listed the names of the turkeys he pardoned during his time in office.
The president shifted to a more solemn demeanor to recognize the bittersweet truth that the holidays signified the final period of his presidency and potentially the conclusion of his long career in public service spanning over five decades.
"This will be my final time speaking as your president during this time, and expressing my thanks and appreciation," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to tell you that serving as your president has been the greatest honor of my life. I am eternally grateful."
On Monday, the president and first lady planned to continue a tradition of 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 the gathering, President Biden took a moment to acknowledge those who have lost loved ones, specifically mentioning his son Beau who passed away from brain cancer in 2015.
He suggested that we take a break from our hectic schedules to prioritize our families and what is truly important in our lives.
President-elect Donald J. Trump’s upcoming inauguration in two months is causing uncertainty in Washington D.C. This event could potentially disrupt the norms and traditions that President Biden has often praised. Despite this, President Biden shared a straightforward and non-political message with attendees at the ceremony before taking photos with Peach.
He expressed that no matter what challenges we face in America, we always persevere and remain resilient. We continue to move forward and maintain our belief in the future.
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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