Today, President Joe Biden will pardon the National Thanksgiving turkey in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, marking the 77th anniversary of this beloved tradition.
This year’s lucky birds, Peach and Blossom, were introduced over the weekend by the National Turkey Federation. Raised on a Minnesota farm, the two birds spent the night at Washington’s historic Willard Hotel before their big day.
The president is expected to highlight the spirit of Thanksgiving, celebrate the contributions of American farmers, and wish families across the country a safe and joyous holiday. After the ceremony, Peach and Blossom will retire to Farmamerica in Minnesota.
The tradition of sparing a turkey dates back to President Harry Truman in 1947. But it wasn’t until 1989 that President George H. W. Bush officially formalized a presidential pardon.
Over the decades, the event has become a lighthearted reflection of gratitude, family, and the nation’s agricultural heritage.
Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.