US President Joe Biden granted a pardon to Peach, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, alongside the Chair of the National Turkey Federation, John Zimmerman, and his son Grant, during an event held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on November 25, 2024. — AFP
On Monday, US President Joe Biden pardoned Peach and Blossom, two white-plumed turkeys, saving them from the Thanksgiving dinner table. This annual tradition also signified the beginning of the Democrat's final holiday season at the White House. This year's turkeys were named after the Delaware state flower, the peach blossom, which represents resilience. Biden, a native of Delaware, addressed a crowd of approximately 2,500 people on the White House South Lawn, with one of the turkeys gobbling in the background.
"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 said. Peach, weighing 41 pounds (19 kg), enjoys hot dish and tater tots and dreams of seeing the Northern Lights. Blossom, weighing 40 pounds (18 kg), loves cheese curds and watching boxing, Biden humorously added.
The tradition of turkey pardoning can be traced back to the Harry Truman presidency in 1947. The official tradition began in 1989 at the White House when then-President George H.W. Bush offered the first official presidential pardon. Millions of turkeys will be roasted in Thanksgiving ovens across the country on Thursday, accompanied by traditional side dishes like stuffing, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole.
Later on Monday, Biden will travel to New York City's Staten Island for a "Friendsgiving" event with members of the U.S. Coast Guard.
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