Joe Biden Issues Whimsical Thanksgiving Pardon
The president ushers in the holiday season during South Lawn traditional ceremony for the last time.
Under sunny skies on the South Lawn of the White House Monday morning, President Joe Biden, for the last time, honored the decades-old White House tradition of pardoning two turkeys.
The president was joined by a crowd of about 2,500 for the event that marks the official start of the holiday season in Washington, D.C.
From the podium, Biden welcomed Minnesota-grown turkeys “Peach” and “Blossom,” named for the Delaware State flower, the Peach Blossom. The flower symbolizes resilience, the president noted in his remarks, adding that was “quite frankly, fitting for today.”
The president told the fowl that their prayers would be answered.
“Based on your temperament and your commitment to being productive members of society, I hereby pardon Peach and Blossom,” Biden declared, waving his arm and pointing at the turkeys.
Peach weighs 41 pounds and Blossom weighs 40 pounds and they live by one of the the mottos “Keep calm and gobble on.” The turkeys will head back to Minnesota where they will become education ambassadors of America’s “top turkey-growing state,” the president said. During Biden’s term as president, he pardoned “Peanut Butter” and “Jelly,” “Chocolate” and “Chip,” and “Liberty” and “Bell.”
“It also is my last time to speak here as your president during the season and give thanks and gratitude. So let me say to you, it’s been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful,” Biden said.
The White House Thanksgiving celebration has been traced back to President Abraham Lincoln, when he declared in October 1863 that the last Thursday in November would be commemorated as Thanksgiving Day, according to the White House Historical Association. Lincoln is also credited with the first turkey pardon, although it was for Christmas.
The formal tradition of pardoning turkeys was established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush who said, “But let me assure you, and this fine tom turkey, that he will not end up on anyone’s dinner table, not this guy—he’s granted a presidential pardon as of right now—and allow him to live out his days on a children’s farm not far from here.”
Turkey presentations at the White House became national news in the 1920s with accounts of turkeys taking cross-country trips to the White House and arriving dressed in goggles and sweaters inside their decorated coops, according to the WHHA.
Later Monday, the president and first lady will travel to Staten Island, New York, where they will celebrate a “Friendsgiving” with members of the Coast Guard.
“May we use this moment to take time from our busy lives and focus on what matters most—our families,” Biden said, repeating a frequent quote from his father: “Family is the beginning, the middle and the end.”
Calendar
Nov. 30, 2024
Author to Share Insights from ‘Remember the First Ladies’
The Twig presents a discussion with Nancy Kegan Smith, co-author of the Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women at 3 p.m. EST at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., in Alexandria, Virginia. Known for her captivating storytelling and historical expertise, Smith will share insights from the newly published book exploring how these remarkable women helped shape the nation. The event will include a signed copy of the book from all three authors and refreshments. The Twig is The Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital—an organization of women dedicated to providing financial aid, volunteer service, and support to Alexandria Hospital. Read more
Dec. 4, 2024
Inside the Vault: Holidays at the White House with Former White House Chefs
The National Archives Foundation presents a virtual holiday program on Dec. 4, 2024, from 6 to 7 p.m. EST featuring White House chefs discussing experiences working in the White House during the holidays and what it was like to cook for the presidents and their families. Moderated by Alex Prud'homme, author of Dinner with the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House, the program will feature William Yosses, White House Executive Pastry Chef, 2007–14, and John Moeller, White House Chef, 1992–2005, and author of Dining at the White House: From the President's Table to Yours. Read more
Dec. 6, 2024
Candlelight Tour at Tudor Place
Experience an evening tour of Tudor Place under the light of the disco ball this holiday season. The historic house will be decked out in 1970s finery, while the collection offers a look at the history of disco in DC. Tours begin at 6 and 7 p.m. EST. Seasonal refreshments will be served. Read more
Dec. 6, 2024
2024 Holiday Book Festival
The White House Historical Association continues its tradition of producing award-winning books on many subjects related to the history of the White House—from its architecture, gardens, fine and decorative arts to the presidents and first ladies who lived there over the years. The authors of several award-winning books will be featured at its annual Holiday Book Festival on Dec. 6, 2024.
Artist and illustrator Dr. John Hutton will provide drawing lessons, demonstrate how to draw the presidents, and sign the series of children's books he illustrated.
Other authors include:
Diana Carlin, Anita McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith will be signing their groundbreaking book Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America's History-Making Women.
Art Chadwick, American orchid grower and entrepreneur, will be signing First Ladies and Their Orchids: A Century of Namesake Cattleyas, which explores the history of First Ladies of the United States and the cattleya hybrids that are named after them.
Christi Harlan, writer and communications consultant in Washington, D.C., will be signing her book about Jimmy Carter: Mr. President, The Class Is Yours: Jimmy Carter's Sunday School Lessons in Washington, D.C.
Jonathan Stolz will be signing his book, Presidential Vignettes: Stories About Those Who Have Held the Highest Office in the Land.
Melinda Dart compiled and edited this memoir of her grandfather, A Glimpse of Greatness: The Memoir of Irineo Esperancilla, which captures the amazing experience of a Filipino American who quietly served his family, his country and four presidents of the United States. Read more
Dec. 8, 2024
A Timeless Holiday Tea with the First Ladies, Featuring Janet Weir Creighton's White House Entertaining Presentation
The National First Ladies Library & Museum will present “A Timeless Holiday Tea” on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. ET. Janet Weir Creighton, Stark County Commissioner and former George W. Bush Administration staff member, will discuss the fascinating world of White House china, entertaining, and state dinners. Read more
Dec. 8, 2024
Is the Truth Dead? The Press vs. Social Media in the Digital Age
The Eleanor Roosevelt Center presents a panel discussion on Dec. 8, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. EST exploring how the rise of social media has brought an explosion of information and opinions, making it harder to sift through the noise and find the truth amidst misinformation. Bloggers, influencers, politically driven media, and politicians now wield the power to influence without evidence. How does traditional journalism rise to meet this challenge? In honor of International Human Rights Day on December 10, join the ERC at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum for a lively discussion on how journalism and social media shape truth in the digital era. Read more
Dec. 13, 2024
Eleanor Roosevelt’s New Deal Community at Arthurdale, West Virginia
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents a virtual lecture exploring “Eleanor's Little Village” of Arthurdale, West Virginia. Eleanor Roosevelt, often referred to as the “First Lady of the World,” was an incredibly active first lady from 1933 to 1945. One of her significant projects was the New Deal homestead community of Arthurdale, where 165 impoverished families were relocated to learn subsistence agriculture and craft skills. Eleanor Roosevelt visited Arthurdale over 30 times, playing a pivotal role in its creation and development. This presentation will delve into the history of Arthurdale and Eleanor Roosevelt's influential involvement in the community. Read more
Dec. 13, 2024
Candlelight Tours of the Saxton-McKinley House
Step back in time with us for a special candlelight tour of the Saxton House! As you explore the house, you'll discover how newly forming traditions and presidential expectations shaped the holiday season for this tight-knit family over the years. But hurry, tickets are limited. Read more
Dec. 14, 2024
The Tea on Tea! A Boston Tea Party Discussion with Our Nation’s Founding Women
The National Archives Museum, in Washington, D.C. presents a program about Abigail Adams, former first lady and founding mother and Sarah Bradlee Fulton, also known as the “mother of the Boston Tea Party,” discussing the world in 1774, the impact of the Boston Tea Party, and the tea actions after it. The ladies will also share how to make one’s own Liberty tea and homespun to protest buying of British tea and goods. Programs run from 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 3:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 14. Abigail Adams portrayed by Kim Hanley (American Historical Theatre). Sarah Bradlee Fulton is portrayed by Jill Lawrence. Read more
Dec. 16, 2024
Cooking with the First Ladies with Sarah Morgan
Embark on a culinary journey through history with Sarah Morgan as she brings First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson’s beloved recipes to life in this engaging virtual event. With a history degree and a whisk in hand, Sarah transforms historical stories into delectable dishes you can recreate at home.
Sarah's culinary adventure began with a thrift store find: The First Ladies Cook Book: Favorite Recipes of All the Presidents of the United States. Her Instagram has since become a hotspot for history enthusiasts and food lovers. Read more
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