William McKinley actually said...

"No time could be more appropriate than the present to approach in a fitting spirit those sacred themes of the love of country and the rights of man."

"The debt of gratitude which we owe to the Nation’s defenders can never be completely repaid either by this or future generations."

"Generations come and go, and the issues for which they fought and died soon pass into history."

"Engagements here, the nature of which is well understood, will prevent my taking part in the Memorial Day ceremonies at Gettysburg this year, attendance upon which, under other circumstances, would ha..."