President Joe Biden used his power to pardon two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, as part of a White House tradition to kick off the holiday season. The turkeys, weighing 41 and 40 pounds, were hatched in Minnesota and trained for their pardon by getting used to loud noises and bright lights.
During the ceremony, Peach caused a bit of a commotion by squawking, but Biden encouraged them to stay calm. This was Biden’s fourth and final turkey pardon as president, and he took a moment to express gratitude for his time in public service.
After the pardon, Biden and the first lady planned to have a “friendsgiving” dinner with troops in the New York area before spending the holiday with family in Nantucket. Peach and Blossom will now live out their days at Farmamerica in Minnesota, where they will serve as ambassadors for agricultural students.
As Biden reflected on his time in office, he emphasized the importance of family, friends, and gratitude. He reminded the audience to focus on what truly matters during the holiday season and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president.
The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back decades, with each president putting their own spin on the ceremony. For Biden, it was a chance to reflect on his time in office and express thanks to the American people for their support.
While the pardon of Peach and Blossom may seem like a lighthearted event, it carries a deeper message of compassion and gratitude. As the holiday season approaches, it serves as a reminder to appreciate the blessings in our lives and to show kindness to others.