President Biden Pardons National Thanksgiving Turkeys Chocolate & Chip

In one of the strangest American traditions, Joe Biden has pardoned two turkeys from the upcoming turkey bloodbath known as Thanksgiving. He was joined for the event by Ronnie Parker, President of the trade group the National Turkey Federation, and Alexa Starnes, the daughter of the owner of Circle S. Ranch.

The ranch was the home of Chocolate and Chip, the two turkeys who were pardoned by Biden on Monday. Chocolate is the one pictured, apparently being offered the microphone and a chance to speak in a joke from the President.

The National Turkey Day Presentation began in the early 20th century during the Presidency of Harry S. Truman. The ceremony initially just featured a turkey being presented to the President, but now the President pardons two animals. George H.W. Bush was the first President to pardon turkeys, and this bizarre ritual has continued every year since.