Biden pardons two Turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving

President Joe Biden continued a long-standing White House tradition on Monday by pardoning two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

During a light-hearted ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, Biden used his presidential pardon power to spare the birds from the Thanksgiving table.

“Based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom,” Biden declared, as the turkeys, weighing 41 and 40 pounds respectively, stood by.

The two birds, hailing from Minnesota, spent the weekend in Washington, preparing for their moment in the spotlight. They were trained to handle loud noises, crowds, and bright lights, though Peach did ruffle some feathers by interrupting the president. Biden, ever the gracious host, told the birds to “keep calm and gobble on.”

Biden, who marked his fourth and final turkey pardon, took a more serious tone as he reflected on his presidency. “It’s been the honour of my life. I’m forever grateful,” Biden told the crowd of Cabinet members, staff, and local students.

The president took the opportunity to remind Americans of the importance of gratitude, saying, “May we use this moment to take time from our busy lives and focus on what matters most: our families… our friends, and our neighbours, and the fact that we are blessed to live in the United States of America, the greatest country on earth.”

Later in the day, Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will head to New York for a “friendsgiving” dinner with troops before spending the rest of the holiday with family in Nantucket.

Peach and Blossom, spared from the holiday feast, will retire to Minnesota’s Farmamerica, where they will serve as ambassadors for agricultural education.