Ceremony pays tribute to Americans who died in Halifax during War of 1812

WATCH: Monday was a special day south of the border. A day to commemorate those who died in military service for the United States, but it wasn’t just American’s celebrating Memorial Day, there was also a service held in the Halifax-area. Global’s Natasha Pace reports.

HALIFAX – It was a day of reflection and remembrance as American officials held a special ceremony Monday to honour almost 200 United States servicemen who died in the War of 1812 in Halifax.

Those on hand paid tribute to American prisoners of war who died while confined on Melville Island in Halifax. They were buried on Deadman’s Island, a piece of land that juts out into a Halifax inlet.

“We are here to commemorate the soldiers of 1812  because it’s something that should be remembered. Always remember your fallen,” said Carlotta Langille, whose husband served in the U.S. navy.

Historians say more than 8,000 Americans were imprisoned on Melville Island during the war.

The American flag was raised to half-mast for the duration of the ceremony at a nearby yacht club, and both the Canadian and American national anthems were played.

“It really kind of brings it home and lets people know and understand. You don’t have a name to a face, but at least you have a name to the people who are buried here and that helps,” said Cmdr. Jeremiah Minner, a U.S. exchange officer.

Side by side, the Canadian and American flags were held. It was a sight especially poignant for the men and women of both militaries.

“It’s hard to believe that 200 years ago we were fighting a war with what’s now our closest allies,” said Angus Topshee, Commander of Canadian Forces Base Halifax.

Roses were placed on the memorial plaque and at the unmarked graves of the American soldiers.

Among those in attendance were former members of the U.S. military, who said they will mark Memorial Day and honour the sacrifice of those who lost their lives for as long as they can.

“I severed in the U.S. navy from 1955 to 1959. I was stationed out of Norfolk on ships all over the world.,” said 78-year-old Edward Langille. “Hopefully I’ll make it a couple more years. If I can get up and down that hill and as long as I can make it, I’ll come down here and pay my respects to the fallen.”

The burial site for sailors, soldiers and prisoners of war was revealed during a dispute over a land development in the late 1990s.

– With files from The Canadian Press