President Biden continued the long-standing tradition of the White House turkey pardon on Monday by granting clemency to two turkeys from Minnesota. This event marked President Biden’s final turkey pardon as the current president, with President-elect Donald Trump expected to carry on the tradition in the future. The two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, were named after the Delaware state flower, the peach blossom, which symbolizes resilience according to Mr. Biden. The President humorously remarked that the large crowd of over 2,000 people gathered for the event were seeking pardons themselves, as his time in office was coming to an end.
Addressing the crowd on the White House South Lawn, President Biden declared, “Today, Peach and Blossom will join the free birds of the United States of America,” as the turkeys could be heard gobbling in the background. He then proceeded to pardon the turkeys based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society. The President took a more serious tone as he concluded his remarks, acknowledging that the event marked the official start of the holiday season in Washington and expressing gratitude for his time as President.
Leading up to the pardon, Peach and Blossom stayed in a luxurious suite at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel near the White House as they awaited their fate. John Zimmerman, chairman of the National Turkey Federation, who raises over 100,000 turkeys annually, selected the two turkeys for the ceremony. He explained that the turkeys were prepared for the spotlight by being exposed to various lights, noises, and music ranging from hard rock to polka to Prince to acclimate them to the environment in DC.
After the pardon, both turkeys will head to Farmamerica: MN Agricultural Interpretive Center in Waseca, Minnesota, where they will live out the rest of their days in peace, away from any Thanksgiving table. This tradition ensures that the turkeys are spared from becoming holiday meals and instead get to enjoy a peaceful retirement.
This year’s turkeys continue the tradition of previous years, where the President pardons selected turkeys as a symbolic gesture of mercy and compassion. Last year, President Biden pardoned “Liberty” and “Bell,” joking that they have a newfound appreciation for the words, “‘Let freedom ring.'”
The annual turkey pardon ceremony is a light-hearted event that brings some humor and tradition to the Thanksgiving season. It allows the President to engage with the public in a fun and festive manner while also highlighting the importance of compassion and mercy. The event also serves as a reminder of the significance of the Thanksgiving holiday and the spirit of giving thanks.
As President Biden wrapped up his final turkey pardon as President, he expressed his gratitude to the American people and reflected on his time in office. He acknowledged the honor of serving as President and thanked the public for their support and trust. The turkey pardon ceremony serves as a moment of reflection and celebration, marking the start of the holiday season and offering a moment of respite and joy amidst the challenges of the year.
In conclusion, the annual White House turkey pardon is a beloved tradition that brings a sense of joy and humor to the Thanksgiving season. It symbolizes the values of compassion, mercy, and gratitude, while also providing a light-hearted moment for the President and the public to come together in celebration. As President Biden passed the torch to President-elect Donald Trump, the tradition of the turkey pardon will continue to be a cherished part of American holiday celebrations for years to come.
