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The Willard InterContinental in Washington, D.C., hosted Peach and Blossom, the turkeys pardoned by U.S. President Joe Biden ahead of Thanksgiving. These birds from Minnesota were selected for this tradition by the National Turkey Federation, which has upheld it for 77 years.
John Zimmerman, chairman of the National Turkey Federation, shared insights during a press conference: "Preparing these presidential birds has taken a lot of special care," he said. "We've been getting them used to lights, camera and even introducing them to a wide variety of music — everything from polka to classic rock."
The tradition of pardoning turkeys dates back to 1947 with President Harry Truman. While some presidents like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson reportedly consumed the turkeys presented to them, modern practices have evolved since Ronald Reagan's administration.
