Peach and Blossom, two Minnesota turkeys, were pardoned by President Joe Biden on November 25, 2024, marking his last Thanksgiving turkey pardon as the 46th president of the United States. The event, celebrated on the South Lawn of the White House, is part of the long-standing American tradition of turkey pardoning as Thanksgiving approaches. Gathering around 2,500 attendees, President Biden not only highlighted the fun spirit of the event but also imparted messages of gratitude and reflection. This isn't just about sparing turkey lives; it's about contemplating family and community, particularly during the holiday season.
"This event marks the official start of the holiday season here in Washington," Biden noted, emphasizing how bittersweet it was to conduct his final turkey pardon. With humor woven throughout his remarks, the president shared the quirky personalities of Peach and Blossom, including their preferences for food and hobbies. Peach, who weighs 41 pounds, has aspirations for cross-country skiing, humorously commented the president. On the other hand, Blossom at 40 pounds dreams of touring all 10,000 lakes of Minnesota. Their palatable mottos reflect their desire for fun: Peach's is "keep calm and gobble on," and Blossom's is "no foul play, just Minnesota nice."
During the ceremony, President Biden expressed his deep appreciation for the roles of family and community, reflecting on the honor it has been to serve the nation. He mentioned, "It’s been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful." His final moments at this ceremony served as both closure and celebration, as he prepared for his post-presidency life, highlighted by plans to enjoy Thanksgiving with fellow service members later this week.
Peach and Blossom were not just chosen for their charming personalities but were carefully raised and groomed for this public role by John Zimmerman, the chair of the National Turkey Federation. Zimmerman's nine-year-old son Grant participated actively during the process, ensuring the turkeys were acclimatized to the noise, cameras, and any other challenges they might face among the throngs of observers and media. These birds were kept at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel prior to the pardoning ceremony, indulging them with all the luxuries just before taking the big stage at the White House. "We want them to be prepared for the spotlight. We want them to get used to lights, noises and anything they will encounter in D.C.," Zimmerman explained.
Following the ceremony, as per tradition, the pardoned turkeys will spend their lives and tour as agricultural ambassadors at Farmamerica, a Minnesota agricultural interpretive center, living out their lives away from the dinner table. This annual event has evolved over time, capturing the hearts of many—a ceremonial nod to kindness and reflection at the year's end.
The origins of turkey pardoning stem back to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, who was said to spare one bird based on his son's pleas. Yet, modern turkey pardons really got their start under President Harry Truman, though the question of whether he actually performed the act of pardoning remains shrouded in history. The tradition has became official since George H.W. Bush instituted the modern-day pardoning events, which have continued to include silly jokes and heartfelt sentiments from successive presidents. Biden has consistently taken part, frequently emphasizing the spirit of family and togetherness during his speeches.
On this occasion, President Biden expressed hope for everyone to use this holiday moment to reflect on what truly matters most: family, friends, and community. It was fitting as he bid farewell to the White House’s turkey tradition, symbolizing the quirky yet meaningful expressions found within American life during the holidays. During the day, Peach and Blossom will return home, renowned not only as two lucky birds but also as symbols to encourage kindness and reflection.
With these ceremonial moments, the annual event reminds us of the importance of gratitude and our shared humanity just as families across the nation prepare to gather for Thanksgiving. Biden's full circle at this uplifting tradition marks the close of his administration with fond memories alongside quirky moments, fittingly wrapped with heartwarming antics from engaging feathered friends.
