President Joe Biden celebrated the start of the holiday season in Washington by participating in the White House turkey pardon tradition for the last time in his political career. The lucky birds, named Peach and Blossom from Minnesota, were officially pardoned by the president in front of a crowd of 2,500 people on the White House South Lawn. The tradition, dating back to the Civil War, is filled with lighthearted spirit and jokes, with Biden jokingly giving each bird a motto.
After the event, Peach and Blossom will return to Minnesota to live out their lives as agricultural ambassadors at an interpretive center. The president reflected on the significance of the event, marking his last time leading the tradition before his term ends and President-elect Donald Trump takes over. Biden expressed gratitude and thanked service members, recognizing those who might have an empty seat at their Thanksgiving table.
The birds, born in July in Northfield, Minnesota, were named after the official flower of Delaware, Biden’s home state. The president highlighted the resilience symbolized by the peach blossom flower, fitting for the occasion. Peach and Blossom completed a two-day road trip to Washington and were treated to a luxurious stay at a nearby hotel before the official pardon. Overall, the event marked a festive and memorable start to the holiday season in Washington.
Source
Photo credit ny1.com
