By Beth David, Editor
This Saturday, 9/26, the Fairhaven Village Militia and the family of Ellsworth “Ellie” Sylvaria said their final good-byes to the militia commander who died unexpectedly in March. The service was held at his beloved Fort Phoenix by the cannons, and included the firing of cannon #5, which is now known as “Ellie’s Cannon.”
Mr. Sylvaria loved the encampments at Fort Phoenix, and always opted to sleep out in the tent, no matter the weather.
Around 250 people attended the outdoor service, wearing masks and maintaining their distance from each other to keep within the COVID-19 guidelines.
Ellie’s son Alex told the crowd that they should noto speak of how good a man his dad was, but of how great of a man he IS.
“Thank you to everyone who came to the memorial service for Ellie Sylvaria yesterday. It was heartwarming to see so many people that cared about Ellie and considered him their friend,” wrote Mr. Sylvaria’s wife Debra on his Facebook page. “The service was perfect, from the beautiful weather, the heartfelt speeches to the cannon firing in Ellie’s honor. He was very specific about what he wanted and I think he is pleased with the outcome.”
The service included a flag raising; the song “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd; and, of course, the firing of muskets.
Attendees were also encouraged to contribute a memory or memento to a memory box for his son Alex.
-
- Pastor Dennis Barrett from Victory Baptist Church speaks during a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/26/20, for Ellie Sylvaria, the Commander of the Fairhaven Village Militia, who died unexpectedly in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- Friends and family were invited to add a memory or memento to a memory box during a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/26/20, for Ellie Sylvaria, the Commander of the Fairhaven Village Militia, who died unexpectedly in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- The Marine Corps League is in the foreground, the Scouts in the background, as the flag pole is bare for a short time during a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/26/20, for Ellie Sylvaria, the Commander of the Fairhaven Village Militia, who died unexpectedly in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- Members of the Fairhaven Village Militia lower the flag that flew at Fort Phoenix during a memorial service for Ellsworth “Ellie” Sylvaria on 9/26/20; the flag had draped his casket after his unexpected death in march. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- Wayne Oliveira, a member of the Fairhaven Village Militia, presents the foldet casket flag to Debra Sylvaria, the wife of Ellsworth “Ellie” Sylvaria, Cmdr. of the FVM, while their son Alex stands by, during a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/6/20, for Mr. Sylvaria who died suddenly in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- The memory box for mementos is in the foreground as members of the Fairhaven Village Militia fold the flag that flew at Fort Phoenix during a memorial service for Ellsworth “Ellie” Sylvaria on 9/26/20; the flag had draped his casket after his unexpected death in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- Members of the Fairhaven Village Militia fire muskets during a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/26/20, for Cmdr. Ellie Sylvaria, who died unexpectedly in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- Charlie Murphy speaks during a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/26/20, for Ellie Sylvaria, the Commander of the Fairhaven Village Militia, who died unexpectedly in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- Alex Sylvaria speaks during a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/26/20, for his father Ellie, the Commander of the Fairhaven Village Militia, who died unexpectedly in March. Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
-
- Alex Sylvaria is assisted by members of the Fairhaven Village Militia as he lights cannon #5 in honor of his father Ellie at a memorial service at Fort Phoenix on Saturday, 9/26/20. A plaque will be added to cannon #5 naming it “Ellile’s Cannon.” Photo by Glenn C. Silva.
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 10/1/20 issue: 10-01-20 Pirates
