**President Biden Pardons Turkeys Peach and Blossom in Annual White House Tradition**

In a charming display of one of the White House's more unusual traditions, President Joe Biden granted pardons to turkeys Peach and Blossom. This year’s ceremony, marked by a mix of humor and sentimentality, signals the unofficial kickoff to the holiday season with Thanksgiving just around the corner.

Originating from Minnesota, both turkeys traveled to Washington DC to stay in a luxurious suite at the Willard InterContinental hotel before heading to the White House. During the event, attended by approximately 2,500 people, President Biden cracked jokes about the turkeys, noting the unusual hobbies they enjoy: Peach, a 42-pound bird, is fond of cross-country skiing, while Blossom, weighing in at around 40 pounds, appreciates cheese curds and boxing.

In his playful speech, President Biden revealed that this year's turkeys were named after the Delaware state flower, the Peach Blossom. Highlighting the ceremonial nature of the event, he remarked that the turkeys’ motto to "stay calm" and "gobble on" had indeed paid off. He whimsically mentioned that their favorite song is "Living on a Prayer," hinting that their prayers were being answered with this presidential pardon.

Despite the light-hearted nature of the event, Biden concluded his remarks on a more reflective note. He addressed the significance of Thanksgiving as a time to "focus on what matters most, our families," and expressed gratitude for his time in office, describing it as "the honor of my life."

Following the ceremony, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden planned to travel to Staten Island, New York, to share a "Friendsgiving" meal with Coast Guard members, reinforcing the theme of family and togetherness during the holiday season.

The turkey pardon tradition, which dates back to President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, was embraced once more at the White House, blending levity with solemn appreciation as President Biden pardoned Peach and Blossom, who will now return to Minnesota as "agricultural ambassadors."