It is both my duty and pleasure to express the appreciation of your many guests to both the Commission and the people of Virginia for your bounteous hospitality.

It is not too much to say that without Washington the war for independence would not have been won.

This national shrine stands for more than a glorious battle.

The unparalleled rise of America has not been the result of riches in lands, forests, or mines; it sprung from the ideas and ideals which liberated minds and stimulated the spirits of men.

Selfishness is poison in the veins of human life.

We are coming to our national thanksgiving festival, but we cannot fitly give thanks to the Father of us all if we close our eyes to our brother whom we see to be in need.

No person here present, no schoolchild of the millions listening in on this occasion, needs reminder of the significance of the Battle of Yorktown.

In hard times we must open our hearts and consider our neighbors and brothers.

We thank you not alone for fine courtesy but for the inspiration which comes from Virginia.

No American can review this vast pageant of progress without confidence and faith, without courage, strength, and resolution for the future.

Our purpose today is to pay homage to a glorious event in our national history.

His lifelong search for truth, fructifying in more than a thousand inventions, made him the greatest inventor our Nation has produced, and revolutionized civilization itself.

He multiplied light and dissolved darkness; he added to whole wealth of nations.

I mourn his passing as a personal friend over a quarter of a century.

On behalf of the nation I express the profound sympathy of all our people and Mrs. Hoover and I personally extend our deepest sympathy to you and your son and daughter in your irreparable loss.

It is given to few men of any age, nation, or calling to become the benefactor of all humanity.

I mourn his passing not only as one of the greatest men our nation has produced but as a personal friend.

That distinction came abundantly to Thomas Alva Edison whose death in his 85th year has ended a life of courage and outstanding achievement.