Setting aside politics, the president used the lighthearted ceremony to thank the nation one more time for the opportunity to serve.

The Minnesota duo was the latest in a long line of lucky birds to be pardoned by the commander-in-chief in an annual Thanksgiving tradition.

Minnesota birds Peach and Blossom receive the ritualistic waiver as Thanksgiving approaches. “They tell me 2,500 people are here, looking for a pardon!”