Peach and Blossom, the two turkeys forgiven and saved by Joe Biden from the Thanksgiving table

US President Joe Biden This Monday he pardoned two turkeys, Peach and Blossom, from Minnesota, and saved them from ending up in the oven, as part of the 77th annual National Thanksgiving Turkey Presentation on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. It’s the last time he does it. In January, Donald Trump assumes the presidency and it will be his turn to pardon a couple of birds next year.

“I hereby forgive Peach and Blossom!” Biden said, saving the birds.

Biden pardoned the birds one by one accompanied by John Zimmerman, president of the National Turkey Federation, and his son Grant. The president’s grandson, Beau Biden, was also present at the ceremony

The presidential turkey pardon is an American tradition that dates back to mid 20th century. Although there are records of presidents receiving turkeys as gifts since the time of Abraham Lincoln, the modern ceremony began to take shape in 1989. with President George HW Bushwho was the first to officially use the term pardon to describe the event.

The pardoning of turkeys is a symbolic act that marks the beginning of Thanksgiving Day celebrations in the United States. This event is seen as a show of compassion and humor, and offers a respite to two turkeys that would otherwise have been slaughtered for Thanksgiving dinner.

Thanksgiving Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States the fourth Thursday of November. Its origin dates back to 1621, when the Plymouth colonists They shared a harvest meal with the Wampanoag tribe. It is considered a time to give thanks for the blessings received during the year.

Celebrations include family gatherings, feasts with traditional dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It is also common to see parades, such as famous Macy’s Parade in New Yorkand American football games.

The National Turkey Federation is an organization that represents the turkey industry in the United States. Its mission is to promote turkey consumption and support producers through research, education and favorable policy advocacy.

Each year, the Federation selects the turkeys that They will be presented for presidential pardon. This participation highlights the relationship between the poultry industry and American cultural traditions.

The presence of family members at presidential events, such as the president’s grandson in this case, It is common and seeks to humanize and personalize the figure of the president, showing his familiar and close side.

Throughout history, it has been common for United States presidents to involve their families in official events, which also helps create a more accessible and closer image to the public.