One of the abilities of a sitting president is the ability to pardon certain individuals. The only two presidents who didn’t do so were William Henry Harrison and James Garfield. On Monday, Joe Biden issued two pardons…but it was in an act of upholding a beloved White House tradition by pardoning two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, in a ceremony on the South Lawn. The event, which officially marks the start of the holiday season in Washington, D.C., brought humor, reflection, and a touch of sentimentality as Biden hinted at his final months in office.
Peach and Blossom, weighing in at 41 and 40 pounds respectively, hail from Minnesota. According to Biden, the birds earned their reprieve “based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society.” The turkeys had been trained for the occasion, becoming accustomed to loud noises and bright lights, though Peach still squawked loudly during the proceedings. Biden quipped, “Keep calm and gobble on,” drawing laughs from the audience.
The lighthearted affair took a more reflective tone as Biden noted the significance of the moment. “It’s also my last time to speak here as your president during the season and give thanks and gratitude,” he said. “Let me say to you: It’s been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful.” The crowd, which included Cabinet members, staff, and local students, responded warmly to the president’s remarks.
The pardoning of Peach and Blossom carries on a tradition that dates back to the late 20th century and has since become a symbol of gratitude and celebration. The turkeys now avoid the Thanksgiving table and will spend the rest of their days in comfort, likely at a farm or sanctuary, as is customary for pardoned birds.
This event marked Biden’s fourth turkey pardon and served as a nostalgic reminder of his half-century of public service. The president also took the opportunity to deliver a unifying message. “May we use this moment to take time from our busy lives and focus on what matters most: our families,” he said. “The fact that we are blessed to live in America, the greatest country on Earth — and that’s not hyperbole. We are.”
The annual turkey pardon combines humor with a reminder of the values Americans hold dear: gratitude, family, and resilience. As Biden closed the ceremony, his remarks resonated as both a celebration of the season and a reflection on the enduring traditions of the presidency.
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