President Joe Biden marked his final National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony by granting freedom to two turkeys named Peach and Blossom in a joyful event at the White House.

In a ceremony filled with humor and tradition, Biden pardoned turkeys Peach and Blossom in his last Thanksgiving ceremony, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The annual event took place on the South Lawn of the White House this Monday, where a crowd of 2,500 attendees gathered to witness the festive pardoning.

The ceremony featured Peach and Blossom, two turkeys from Minnesota, each weighing around 40 pounds.

The choice of names for the turkeys, Peach and Blossom, holds a special significance as they reflect the state flower of Delaware, Biden’s home state.

This event not only highlights a longstanding tradition but also honors the president's roots.

Historical Roots of the Turkey Pardoning Tradition

The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back to Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War and was formalized by President George H.W. Bush in 1989.

Ronald Reagan was the first to use the term "pardon" at such an event in 1987, setting the stage for what would become a yearly tradition observed by each succeeding president.

President Biden’s participation this year marks his fourth and final role in this lighthearted tradition, as he nears the end of his presidency.

This event not only served as a ceremonial farewell but also as an expression of the president’s humor, showcased through several turkey-related jokes during his speech.

Biden's Speech: Humor and Sentiments

Amid the formal proceedings, President Biden's speech was peppered with light-hearted jokes, bringing smiles and laughter to those present. He joked about the turkeys being fans of Bon Jovi’s song "Livin' on a Prayer," adding a personal touch to the ceremony.

"Fellas, your prayers are going to be answered today," said President Biden, as he humorously pardoned Peach and Blossom, much to the amusement of the audience.

He continued with a chuckle, "Based on your temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom."

Biden's Thanksgiving Plans and Public Appearances

Following the pardoning ceremony, the president's schedule was to remain busy as he was set to fly to New York City to attend a Friendsgiving event later the same day.

His Thanksgiving plans are to continue the tradition of spending the holiday in Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he has celebrated in previous years during his presidency.

The president concluded his remarks at the ceremony with a nod to both the national sentiment and the individual characteristics of the turkeys. "He lives by the motto 'keep calm and gobble on,'" Biden said of Peach while describing Blossom as embodying "No fowl play, just Minnesota nice."

Reflections on a Cherished American Tradition

"Today, Peach and Blossom will join the free birds of the United States of America," declared President Biden, symbolically ending his participation in this cherished American tradition. The crowd responded warmly, appreciative of the president's words and the joyful spirit of the event.

This ceremony not only provided a platform for presidential humor but also reflected the nation's enduring respect for its traditions and the lighter side of the presidency. As the event concluded, the turkeys were set to be taken to their new home, where they will live out their days in peace, far from the fate of the Thanksgiving table.