President Joe Biden upheld a cherished White House tradition , pardoning two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, in a festive ceremony on the South Lawn ahead of Thanksgiving.
A Light-Hearted Celebration
During the ceremony, Biden humorously used his presidential pardon powers to save the Minnesota-raised turkeys from the holiday table. “Based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom,” Biden joked, as the turkeys, weighing 41 and 40 pounds, stood nearby.
The turkeys spent the weekend in Washington acclimating to their moment in the spotlight, with training to handle noise, crowds, and cameras. Peach made headlines for interrupting Biden during the event, to which the president cheerfully responded, “Keep calm and gobble on.”
A Moment of Reflection
Marking his fourth and final turkey pardon, Biden took a reflective tone, calling his presidency “the honor of my life” and expressing deep gratitude. Addressing the gathered crowd of Cabinet members, staff, and local students, he encouraged Americans to embrace the holiday’s spirit of thankfulness.
“Let’s take a moment to focus on what matters most: our families, our friends, and our neighbors, and remember how blessed we are to live in the United States of America, the greatest country on earth,” Biden said.
Holiday Plans and a New Home for Peach and Blossom
Later, the president and First Lady Jill Biden traveled to New York for a “friendsgiving” dinner with military personnel before heading to Nantucket to spend the holiday with family.
As for Peach and Blossom, the pardoned turkeys will retire to Minnesota’s Farmamerica, serving as ambassadors for agricultural education, ensuring their role in Thanksgiving extends beyond the dinner table.
