Biden opens last holiday season at the White House with turkey pardons, Christmas tree
US President Joe Biden pardons Peach, the National Thanksgiving Turkey, alongside Chair of the National Turkey Federation John Zimmerman and his son Grant during an event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on November 25, 2024. Photograph:( AFP )
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President and first lady also hosted “friendsgiving” at the US Coast Guard Sector New York on Staten Island for the members of the US Coast Guard and their families
President and first lady also hosted “friendsgiving” at the US Coast Guard Sector New York on Staten Island for the members of the US Coast Guard and their families
United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden opened their last holiday season at the White House with the annual tradition of turkey pardons and accepting the Christmas tree. Biden also hosted “friendsgiving” in New York City.
“Based on their temperament and commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom,” Biden said during the turkey pardoning ceremony on the White House South Lawn.
The two turkeys arrived in Washington from southern Minnesota over the weekend and were trained for the crowds, bright light, and loud sound for the ceremony.
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Biden addressed the guests and joked about the birds as he is approaching the end of his term as the US president with power getting transferred to President-elect Donald Trump.
“It’s been the honour of my life. I’m forever grateful,” Biden said.
Biden then talked about the turkeys, Peach who “lives by the motto, ‘Keep calm and gobble on’” while Blossom has a different motto of “No fowl play. Just Minnesota nice.”
The first lady accepted the official Christmas tree that will be decorated and showcased in the Blue Room of the White House. The Fraser fir tree is 18.5 feet tall and arrived from western North Carolina, where the monster Hurricane Helene caused destruction. While thousands of trees were lost due to the storm, “but this one remained standing and they named it ‘Tremendous’ for the extraordinary hope that it represents,” Jill Biden said.
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The President and the first lady also hosted “friendsgiving” at the US Coast Guard Sector New York on Staten Island for the members of the US Coast Guard and their families.
“Simply put, we owe you. We owe your families,” Biden said, appreciating their service and sacrifice. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
“With all my heart, thank you for your service and your sacrifice,” Jill said at the event, addressing the military families.
The menu at the event was catered by celebrity chef Robert Irvine, where the guests were served turkey, ham, side dishes and desserts.
(With inputs from agencies)
