An annual ceremony was held in Halifax on Memorial Day Monday to commemorate American service members who lost their lives in military prison during the War of 1812.
The somber ceremony was held on Halifax’s Deadman’s Island, where nearly 200 American prisoners of war were laid to rest.
“I came down to pay my respects to the fallen U.S. servicemen that are buried here," said U.S. Navy veteran Edward Langille.
Local U.S. Navy Exchange Officers and the U.S. Consul General for Atlantic Canada held the public ceremony.
Maida Follini attended to remember her ancestor, Ralph Howard. While he is buried on Deadman’s Island, his story begins in Fort Erie, Ontario after joining the U.S. Army as a military mechanic.
"At one point he was sent out with others to spike the guns of the British, so they went out at night, they managed to spike some of the cannons, but he was captured," said Follini.
That happened in the fall of 1814, when prisoners of war were marched from Niagara Frontier to Quebec City. The POWs were then shipped to Nova Scotia.
About 8,000 American prisoners passed through the prison camp on Melville Island. Conditions were poor, and many died of their wounds or infectious diseases – including Ralph Howard.
"He died after peace had been declared, but before they knew about it here," said Follini.
While land on Deadman’s Island was once threatened to be developed, it has remained sacred.
"It really impresses me that the Canadians care so much about that and would do that on behalf of the U.S.,” said U.S. Consul General Steven Giegerich. “Reflecting on the fact we share such a long-standing, significant strength and ties throughout our histories.”
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Marie Adsett
