This is the opening dedication + 

Of annual day of decoration, + 

And thus each year will brothers meet + 

To shed the bloom and perfume sweet; + 

For they will have a noble aim + 

In meeting on the banks of Thame. + 

In the States they decorate grave + 

Of each departed soldier brave, + 

But here in Ontario West + 

We decorate where brothers rest, + 

Though some are unknown to fame + 

They peaceful rest on banks of Thame. + 

No more their grave is place of gloom, + 

But scene of fragrance and bloom; + 

No more the tomb is dismal cave + 

For flowers each year will o’er it wave; + 

In sweet remembrance each name + 

Will live beside the silver Thame. + 

Flowers here will shed their rich perfume + 

And thus dispel the dismal gloom; + 

Departed’s memory we cherish, + 

And their names shall never perish, + 

While doth flow the pleasant stream + 

O’er pebbly bed, the crystal Thame. + 