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President Biden performed a light-hearted ceremony to pardon turkeys for the final time during his presidency, taking a moment to express gratitude to the nation for allowing him to serve. Politics were put aside for this event.
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President Biden pardoned two turkeys in a traditional White House ceremony, expressing thanks for his role as president. He mentioned past turkeys he had pardoned and announced that Peach and Blossom would be pardoned this year. Biden also acknowledged that this event marks the beginning of the holiday season in Washington and expressed gratitude for his time as president.
Written by Zach Montague
Writing from the capital
On Monday, President Biden made an eight-minute appearance to pardon two Thanksgiving turkeys, acknowledging a longstanding 77-year tradition and taking a moment to express gratitude for the country.
During the brief speech, a few jokes and witty remarks were made to acknowledge Peach and Blossom, two birds weighing over 40 pounds each that were named after Delaware’s peach blossoms, which is the official flower of President Biden’s home state.
The president gave a speech next to Peach, whose loud gobbling could be heard on the microphone, often interrupting Mr. Biden’s speech and causing the audience to laugh.
"The president mentioned that Peach is making a final request at this moment."
Mr. Biden shared with those watching on the South Lawn of the White House that his motto is to "stay calm and keep eating." He was wearing his trademark aviator sunglasses as he listed off the names of the turkeys he had pardoned during his time in office.
The president’s demeanor shifted to a somber one as he recognized the significance of the upcoming holidays signaling the conclusion of his presidency and potentially his long career in public service spanning over 50 years.
"This will be my final time addressing you as your president during this time, expressing my thanks and appreciation," stated Mr. Biden. "I want to tell you that it has been the greatest privilege of my life. I will always be thankful."
On Monday, the president and the first lady planned to continue a tradition by serving food at a gathering of friends celebrating the holiday together. This year, they were 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 lost loved ones, including 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 truly matters in life.
Before taking photos with Peach, President-elect Donald J. Trump hinted at upcoming changes in Washington, D.C. during his inauguration in two months, which contrasted with the norms and traditions often praised by Mr. Biden during his presidency. Despite the uncertainty in the capital, Mr. Biden left those at the ceremony with a straightforward and non-political message.
He stated that in America, people never give up and continue to persevere with faith.
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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