[Released May 9, 1929. Dated May 8, 1929]
I GREATLY REGRET that I cannot accept your kind invitation to be present at the ceremonies attending the unveiling of the bust of President James Madison at the Hall of Fame on Thursday or to make an address by radio. Ceremonies of this character are a noble inspiration to the young and they help us all to keep alive the great tradition of our self-government by recalling the parts played by the great men and women of American history whose participation in public affairs shaped our ideals and moulded our institutions.
Note: The message was sent by telegram to Robert Underwood Johnson, 327 Lexington Ave., New York City, to be read at the Hall of Fame ceremonies at New York University.
Herbert Hoover, Message to the Hall of Fame Ceremonies. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/209709