In keeping with tradition, President Biden pardoned on Monday two turkeys from Minnesota.

This was Mr. Biden’s last turkey pardon before President-elect Donald Trump took over to continue this tradition. The turkeys of this year, Peach and Blossom are named for the Delaware state flower – the peach blossom – which represents resilience. Mr. Biden explained. The president joked about the fact that more than 2,000 attendees were seeking pardons since he has only been in office for less than two months.

“In the past four years, I have had the honor of continuing that tradition by pardoning Peanut Butter and Jelly and Chocolate and Chip as well as Liberty and Bell,” Biden said to the crowd on the South Lawn at the White House, while the turkeys occasionally gobbled in the background. “And today Peach and Blossom join the free bird of the United States of America.”

“Based on the temperament of your children and their commitment to be productive members of society, I pardon Peach & Blossom!” he declared.

The president ended his remarks with a serious tone.

He said: “Let’s close on a serious note. This event marks the start of the holiday season here in Washington. It’s my last opportunity to thank you and express gratitude as your president. Let me tell you that it has been an honor to serve as your president. I’m forever grateful.”

In the days before their big moment, the turkeys spent their time in a luxury suite at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington near the White House. This is a tradition that the turkeys follow as they wait for their fate.

John Zimmerman is the chairman of this year’s National Turkey Federation. He raises over 100,000 turkeys each year and has chosen two of his finest.

He said, “We want to prepare them for the spotlight. We want to make sure they are used to lights, sounds, and everything else that will be encountered in DC. We expose the students to different sounds and lights. All kinds of music from hard rock to Prince to polka.”

Both turkeys are headed to Farmamerica, MN Agricultural Interpretive Center, in Waseca Minnesota to spend the rest of their lives in peace and away from Thanksgiving dinners.

Last year, Mr. Biden pardoned “Liberty” and “Bell,” joking that they have a new appreciation for the words, “‘Let freedom ring.'”