President Joe Biden pardoned two turkeys from Minnesota, Peach and Blossom, sparing them from becoming part of the Thanksgiving feast on Monday. This annual ceremony, held at the White House, marked the official start of the holiday season in Washington, drawing a crowd of 2,500 people to the South Lawn.
During his speech, Biden reflected on his final Thanksgiving as president. He expressed his gratitude, saying, “It’s been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful.” He also encouraged Americans to pause and focus on the important things—family, friends, and neighbors. Biden emphasized that the United States is “the greatest country on Earth,” and no matter the challenges, “we never give up. We keep going, we keep the faith.”
Preparation for the Big Day
Peach and Blossom underwent extensive preparation for their moment in the spotlight. John Zimmerman, chairman of the National Turkey Federation, explained that the turkeys had to get accustomed to the camera flashes, lights, and even different types of music—from polka to classic rock. Zimmerman’s son, Grant, along with other young trainers, helped ensure that the birds remained calm during their public debut.
The turkeys, each weighing 41 and 40 pounds, were hatched in July. Before the White House ceremony, they stayed in style at the Willard InterContinental hotel, a tradition for presidential turkeys.
Naming and Personalities
Biden revealed that Peach and Blossom were named after Delaware’s state flower, the Peach Blossom. He also joked about their personalities, saying, “Peach lives by the motto ‘keep calm and gobble on,’” while Blossom’s motto was “no foul play, just Minnesota nice.” As Biden spoke, the turkeys interrupted with their gobbles, which he humorously attributed to a “last-minute plea.”
What Happens After the Pardon
After the ceremony, Peach and Blossom returned to Waseca, Minnesota. There, they will live as “agricultural ambassadors” at Farmamerica, an agricultural interpretive center. This turkey pardon has become a beloved annual tradition, often filled with humor and lighthearted moments.
Previous Pardons by Biden
Peach and Blossom join a growing list of turkeys pardoned by President Biden, including Liberty and Bell in 2023, Chocolate and Chip in 2022, and Peanut Butter and Jelly in 2021. As he concluded the ceremony, Biden said, “Today, Peach and Blossom will join the free birds of the United States of America.”
The Origins of the Turkey Pardon
The history of the presidential turkey pardon is somewhat unclear. Many believe it started with President Abraham Lincoln, who allegedly spared a turkey at the request of his son, Tad, though this is likely more folklore than fact.
The modern tradition began in 1947 under President Harry Truman. After a campaign to conserve food following World War II, Truman received a turkey from the National Turkey Federation. However, the turkey did not escape the dinner table. The first public turkey pardon occurred in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy spared a bird, just days before his assassination. Over the years, the tradition became more sporadic, with first ladies occasionally stepping in to accept the turkey on their husbands’ behalf.
The tradition became an official White House event during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush gave the first official turkey pardon. Since then, the ceremony has continued annually, with one lucky turkey receiving a pardon each year.