A somber ceremony took place Monday to remember U.S. soldiers, sailors and marines who died centuries ago and lie buried in Halifax.

U.S. officials led the annual ceremony to mark the Memorial Day holiday, joined by members of the Canadian Forces and historical reenactors.

The tradition honours the nearly 200 U.S. servicemen who died while imprisoned on Melville Island on Halifax’s Northwest Arm during the War of 1812.

Many of them lie buried in unmarked graves on nearby Deadman’s Island, where the ceremony was held.

“I think they would be very proud of what Canadians and Americans are doing today and have done for hundreds of years together as partners, as friends and allies,” said Richard Riley, U.S. consul general to Halifax.

Historians say more than 8,000 Americans were imprisoned on Melville Island during the War of 1812.

That island is now home to the Armdale Yacht Club, and neighbouring Deadman’s Island has also long been considered prime real estate.

The fact it is a burial site for prisoners of war was revealed during a dispute over a land development in the late 1990s.

For people including the Canadian Forces members on hand on Monday, the land has special meaning.

“Anywhere that we have service people buried we consider to be hallowed ground,” said Navy Capt. Angus Topshee.

With files from The Canadian Press and CTV Atlantic’s Bruce Frisko