Ahead of Thanksgiving, President Biden performed the traditional presidential turkey pardon, granting clemency to the turkeys Peach and Blossom, marking the beginning of his final holiday season at the White House.
Speaking at the event, Biden reflected on the importance of the occasion, noting, “This event marks the official start of the holiday season here in Washington. It’s also my last time to speak here as your president during this season and give thanks and gratitude. So let me say to you — it’s been the honor of my life, I am forever thankful.”
Biden jokes about turkeys’ personalities in final holiday season as president
The two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, will be sent to the Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center, where they will serve as educational ambassadors. The pair had traveled from Minnesota for the event, which included a two-day journey during which they listened to “Livin’ on Prayer,” Biden humorously shared.
Biden joked about Peach’s vocal enthusiasm during the ceremony, saying, “Peach wants to speak a little bit here,” when the turkey made noise at the podium. He described Peach as a 41-pound turkey who enjoys eating hot dish and Tater Tots, and whose dream is to see the northern lights. “He lives by the motto, keep calm and gobble on,” Biden added.
Blossom, Biden continued, has a fondness for cheese curds and enjoys watching boxing. His dream is to visit each of Minnesota’s lakes, living by the motto, “No fowl play, just Minnesota nice.”
The president also reminisced about previous turkeys he pardoned, including Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, and Liberty and Bell. Later on Monday, Biden is scheduled to travel to Staten Island for a Friendsgiving event with members of the Coast Guard.
Reflecting on the meaning of the holiday, he said, “May we use this moment to take time from our busy lives and focus on what matters most, our families … our friends and our neighbors. And the fact that we are blessed to live in America, the greatest country on earth.”
Concluding his remarks, Biden shared an uplifting message: “No matter what, in America, we never give up, we keep going, we keep the faith.” The president and his family are expected to celebrate Thanksgiving in their traditional location of Nantucket.
