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President Biden Pardons Thanksgiving Turkeys Peach and Blossom

In a heartwarming annual tradition, President Joe Biden pardoned two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, just days before Thanksgiving. This event, held on the South Lawn of the White House, marks the final turkey pardon of Biden's presidency and continues a custom that dates back to 1989.

The Turkeys

Peach and Blossom, both hailing from Minnesota, were chosen for this year's pardon. Peach, weighing in at 41 pounds, enjoys tater tot-topped hotdish and dreams of seeing the Northern Lights. Blossom, slightly lighter at 40 pounds, loves cheese curds and watching boxing. These turkeys were raised by John Zimmerman, chairman of the National Turkey Federation, and his son Grant, who ensured the birds were well-prepared for their moment in the spotlight (2).

The Ceremony

The ceremony was filled with light-hearted moments and corny jokes, a hallmark of the turkey pardon tradition. President Biden, standing before a crowd of around 2,500 people, including members of his Cabinet and White House staff, joked about Peach making a last-minute plea for a pardon. He praised the turkeys for their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society before officially granting them their freedom (2).

Historical Context

The tradition of presenting turkeys to the president dates back to 1947, during Harry Truman's presidency. However, the first official pardon was given by President George H.W. Bush in 1989. Since then, the turkey pardon has become a beloved part of the Thanksgiving festivities at the White House (3).

Life After the Pardon

Following their pardon, Peach and Blossom will retire to Farmamerica, an agricultural interpretive center in Waseca, Minnesota. There, they will live out their days as "agricultural ambassadors," far from the Thanksgiving dinner table (2).

This year's pardon not only highlights the whimsical side of presidential traditions but also underscores the importance of gratitude and compassion during the holiday season. As President Biden noted, the peach blossom symbolizes resilience, a fitting tribute to the spirit of Thanksgiving.


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