Nova Scotia

War of 1812 prisoners memorial service to be held Monday

Nearly 200 American prisoners died while confined on Melville Island, just off the Halifax peninsula. The prisoners were buried on Deadman's Island.

Nearly 200 American prisoners died while confined on Melville Island, just off the Halifax peninsula

A past Memorial Day service for the American prisoners from the War of 1812 held in Halifax on Deadman's Island. (U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada)

A memorial service to remember the American soldiers who died in during the War of 1812 will be held Monday in Halifax.

Close to 200 American Prisoners of War died on Melville Island and were buried on Deadman's Island, both on the Northwest Arm during the war.

Monday is Memorial Day in the U.S., a day when the dead of all wars are remembered. The U.S. Consul General and the U.S. Navy Exchange Officers in Halifax will be there to honour those men.

Parks Canada will unveil a plaque to commemorate the historical significance of Deadman's Island and Melville Island at 10:45 a.m. on Deadman's Island.

The Memorial Day service to follow will include a flyover and the firing of the cannon between 11:00 a.m. and noon. The public is welcome to attend the service.

Parking will be available at the Armdale Yacht Club and there will be a shuttle to take people to the memorial site.