Thank you, ladies and gentlemen--each of you--for coming out this morning, to give me a chance to say to you 'thank you,' and to greet you in this fashion.

To each of you, my thanks for the warmth of your welcome.

Perhaps it is just best for me to say I am proud to be an agent for our people in conferring upon you this highest award that the Government has, and to say that your real reward--as all of us here know--is in the hearts, the thanks and the gratitude of our entire nation.

I think America is forgetting one thing: the thanks we owe to tremendous groups of scientists, devoted doctors, people that have worked night and day.

I see very little reason in saying anything except 'Thank you,' saying that in every language that I know, using every word and every expression, because I am truly grateful.

I also want to thank you most sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, for the most cordial reception which you gave to my daughter on her tourist trip to France.

I APPRECIATE that most highly.

We can show them our gratitude through our wholehearted support of the USO.

There is little need for me to express the gratitude which I know the whole country holds for this great service now added to a life of long devotion to public welfare.

It is a national shrine, the very name of which swells our hearts with pride and gratitude.

The occasion reflects the gratitude which all citizens will feel for all time for their unselfish service to the country.

No appreciation I could express would even feebly represent the gratitude of the American people for your whole life of wonderful public service.

It is my privilege to convey to you at this holiday season the nation's tribute of remembrance and gratitude for your service in defense of our country.

I send you renewed assurance of the nation's gratitude and devotion to your needs.

I know that I represent all of the guests in expressing our gratitude to the Gridiron Club for their hospitality and entertainment.

I wish I could adequately thank you on behalf of both Mrs. Hoover and myself.

I do wish to take this occasion to voice the debt owed to you by the country for your devoted and able service.

I have received Your Excellency's thoughtful message and I ask you to convey to the French people this Nation's heartfelt thanks for their deep sympathy.