Continuing a cherished White House tradition, President Joe Biden pardon turkeys “Peach” and “Blossom,” on November 25, 2024, during a ceremony on the White House South Lawn.

Introducing the feathered guests of honor, Biden shared that the turkeys, Peach and Blossom, weighing 41 and 40 pounds, respectively, embarked on a 1,100-mile journey from Minnesota to Washington, D.C. Over the two-day road trip, they remained “calm” and “nice,” listening to their favorite music, including a classic hit “Living on a Prayer.”

“Well, fellas, your prayer is going to be answered today. Based on your temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom,” Biden said while pardoning the lucky birds. “In the last four years, I’ve had the honor to continue that tradition by pardoning Peanut Butter and Jelly, Chocolate and Chip, Liberty and Bell.  And today, Peach and Blossom will join the free birds of the United States of America.”

Reflecting on the origins of the tradition, Biden noted that while a turkey was first presented to President Truman, it was President George H.W. Bush who started the annual tradition of pardoning them.

“There are 2,500 people here today looking for a pardon,” Biden quipped, warmly welcoming attendees and marking the start of the holiday season. He also acknowledged students from 4-H programs and Future Farmers of America present at the event.

The President expressed gratitude to Leslee Oden, president of the National Turkey Federation, and John Zimmerman, the Federation’s Chairman, along with his family from Northfield, Minnesota, for their contributions to the ceremony.

“John has been a turkey grower for 35 years. He’s raised over 4 million turkeys. And with the help of his nine-year-old son, Grant, they’ve raised two special guests we’re honoring today: Peach and Blossom. Let’s bring Peach up to join us,” said Biden while questioning “What do you say, Peach? Peach is making a last-minute plea here.”

He explained that both turkeys are named after Delaware’s state flower, the peach blossom, a symbol of resilience—a quality that was particularly fitting on the occasion.

He listed that some of Peach’s fun activities include eating hotdish, tater tots, and cross-country skiing, with a dream to witness the Northern Lights, and that his lived motto is, “Keep calm and gobble on.” Blossom, on the other hand, has a fondness for cheese curds and watching boxing. Blossom’s dream is to visit each of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, and lives by the motto, “No fowl play, just Minnesota nice.”

After their pardons, both turkeys will return to Farmamerica, the Minnesota Agricultural Interpretive Center, as “educational ambassadors,” to inspire the next generation of agricultural students.  

Striking a serious note, Biden ended with, “Let me close on a more serious note. 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’m forever grateful.”  

Highlighting the value of family especially during the holiday season, President Biden encouraged everyone to pause their busy lives and spend quality time with loved ones. He echoed his father’s words, saying, “Family is the beginning, the middle, and the end.”

Director of the White House National Drug Control Policy, Dr. Rahul Gupta, who was present at the ceremony told South Asian Herald, “Today, I was proud to attend the White House tradition of pardoning turkeys. The President reminded us to keep in our hearts those who we have lost and the empty seat at the dinner tables this Thanksgiving Day.” 

Dr. Gupta noted that the President’s Thanksgiving message underscores the important work of the Biden-Harris administration of saving lives and the historic milestone of reduction in overdose deaths by 14.5 per cent, according to the latest data. 

“We must continue to double and triple down on the work of this administration because American lives depend on it,” he added. 

White House Correspondent for Reuters, Nandita Bose, who was also at the ceremony, told South Asian Herald, “This is Biden’s last time pardoning turkeys. It was fun.”