White House Turkeys Peach and Blossom Enjoy Luxury Ahead of Presidential Pardon

The annual White House turkey pardon took place on November 20, 2023, marking the 76th year of this cherished Thanksgiving tradition. President Joe Biden presided over the event, where two turkeys, Liberty and Bell, were officially spared. Raised on a family farm in Minnesota by National Turkey Federation Chair Steve Lykken, the birds represent a lighter side of the holiday season. The turkeys were pampered guests at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., before their grand moment. During the ceremony, President Biden joked about the turkeys’ size and their preference for Honeycrisp apples and ice hockey, showcasing the lighter spirit of the occasion. Both birds will retire to the University of Minnesota, where they will live out their days under expert care. This event also serves as a nod to the agricultural community, celebrating the contributions of farmers nationwide. The pardon tradition, formally established in 1989 under President George H.W. Bush, has evolved into a beloved symbol of gratitude and fun leading into Thanksgiving​ For more on this year’s turkeys and their journey, visit the White House’s official page or check the history of the tradition online.