Joe Biden Holds His Final Turkey Pardon Ceremony as US President

In a long-standing White House tradition, President Joe Biden granted clemency to two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, ahead of Thanksgiving, marking a moment of levity and reflection during his last holiday season in this presidential term. Addressing a crowd of around 2,500 people gathered on the South Lawn, Biden connected the names of the turkeys to Delaware, his home state, noting the peach blossom's symbol of resilience. The ceremony, attended by numerous guests, was not just an opportunity for a presidential pardon but also served as an unofficial kickoff to the holiday festivities in Washington.

Biden's speech touched on themes of gratitude and service, acknowledging the sacrifices made by military families. He shared his plans to visit Staten Island, New York, with his wife, Jill, for a Friendsgiving event with Coast Guard members and their families. This gesture aimed to express appreciation for their service, mirroring the sacrifice of Biden's own son. The president also spared a thought for those facing loss, acknowledging the empty seats at many Thanksgiving tables.

The tradition of pardoning turkeys each Thanksgiving has whimsical roots and has evolved into a symbolic reprieve from the holiday's feast. This year's pardoned turkeys, Peach and Blossom, weigh 41 and 40 pounds respectively. Peach dreams of the Northern Lights after enjoying a hot dish and tater tots, while Blossom prefers cheese curds and enjoys boxing. The peculiarities shared by Biden add a personal touch to the tradition, emphasizing the light-hearted nature of the event.

The origins of the turkey pardoning ceremony trace back beyond the mid-20th century to as early as the 1860s. Although often attributed to President Abraham Lincoln, the practice of sending turkeys to the White House began in earnest with Rhode Island poultry merchant Horace Vose in the 1870s. Vose's annual gifts to the president made his farm well-known and established a tradition that would eventually lead to the presidential turkey pardon. Over the years, the tradition saw various forms, from patriotic presentations to turkeys dressed in costumes, reflecting the nation's festive spirit.

The practice of pardoning a turkey became a standardized part of the Thanksgiving tradition under President Ronald Reagan, with the ceremony gaining a humorous edge. It was President George H. W. Bush in 1989 who formalized the pardon, ensuring that the turkey would not end up on a dinner table but rather live out its days on a farm. This act of clemency has since become a fixture of the holiday season, symbolizing mercy and goodwill.

Despite common misconceptions, the tradition did not begin with President Harry S. Truman. The Truman Library & Museum clarifies that while Truman was the first president to receive a turkey from the Poultry and Egg National Board and National Turkey Federation, he did not start the pardoning tradition. The practice has seen various interpretations and evolutions, from saving turkeys for Christmas dinner to redirecting them to farms and children's zoos.