William Taft actually said...

"We have made great progress, almost within our own memory, in such ideals."

"These ceremonies are not for the benefit of the dead."

"Love of country, love of family, love of God—it is difficult to classify these affections of the human heart and soul, for they so melt into each other that the one who has most of one has most of all..."

"Let us leave this beautiful city of the national dead, therefore, with the deepest gratitude to the men whose valorous deeds we celebrate."