10/17/1951
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"Yes. If you will remember, when the matter was under discussion back some months ago, I requested the Chief Justice of the United States to act as chairman for the celebration of the 175th anniversary..."
"I have no knowledge of their plans. Of course, they would be welcome to come here, but I will have to find out what their plans are, before we can take formal notice of the fact."
"Always, when the emergency calls for it, they come forward and deliver what is necessary to win."
"It is a privilege to perform this ceremony."