WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden pardoned two turkeys from Minnesota, Peach and Blossom, during the annual turkey pardon at the White House on Monday.

The ceremony on the South Lawn celebrated the 77^th anniversary of the tradition, and President Biden’s last holiday season as president.

The birds were named after Delaware’s official state flower, the peach blossom.

“And the peach blossom flower also symbolizes resilience, which is quite frankly fitting for today,” Biden said.

The two turkeys traveled 1,100 miles and 16.5 hours over two days to the nation’s capital.

The president joked that Peach loves tater tots while Blossom loves eating cheese curds. Peach and Blossom weigh 41 and 40 pounds respectively and were born in July.

The turkeys will return to Minnesota and live out their lives at an agricultural interpretive center.

President Biden acknowledged Monday was his last time participating in the turkey pardon as president.

“This event marks the official start of the holiday season here in Washington. It’s also my last time to speak here as your president during the season and give thanks and gratitude,” Biden said. “It’s been the honor of my life. I’m forever grateful.”

The president and first lady will travel to Staten Island Monday evening for a Friendsgiving celebration with members of the Coast Guard and their families.