In Washington, Biden ended his final turkey pardon on a wistful note. He and his wife, Jill, were heading to Staten Island for a Friendsgiving with members of the Coast Guard, in memory of their late son. He urged the country to hold in their hearts all the families with empty seats at the table this season.

The sitting president has the option to pardon just one or both of the turkeys. Regardless of that decision, both turkeys will head to Farmamerica: MN Agricultural Interpretive Center in Waseca, Minnesota, to live out the rest of their days in peace, away from anyone's Thanksgiving table.