MORNING STAR • MAy 27 - JuNe 2, 2010
PAGe 13
A special tribute to the Ellis brothers of Laurel by Jim Allen, Historian Laurel American Legion Post 19
As Memorial Day nears and we honor our fallen heroes, I would like to pay tribute to one of Laurel’s finest families. I am referring to the Ellis Family, Wilbur and Elsie Ellis and their sons, Pierce, Dick Joe and Blair. Pierce Ellis, Laurel’s beloved family doctor, is quite a guy. Everyone loves him and admires him for his outstanding contributions to the town of Laurel and the citizens who call it home. He has always been there for us with exemplary medical care when we needed his services. He is one of Laurel’s favorite sons. Dick Ellis, a World War II ace in the South Pacific, made quite a name for himself for downing scores of Japanese planes. He later earned the rank of General in the U.S. Air Force and was our Chief of Staff in Europe. When Joe Ellis returned home from World War II, he went into business with his father-in-law. After many successful years as a businessman, he was elected mayor of Laurel and will always be remembered as one of Laurel’s notable citizens. The youngest son in the family was my good friend and classmate, Blair Ellis.
“Jabbo,” as we called him in school, lost his life in World War II when his troop ship, the HMT Rohna, was sunk in the Mediterranean Sea. He, along with 1,014 of his buddies, was never heard of again. A day never passes that I don’t think of Jabbo and remember what a great guy and patriot he was. I have had the honor and privilege to present the Blair Ellis award at the annual Laurel High School Award’s Night for several years now. And every year, as I start to speak to the graduates, I get choked up remembering the man for whom the award is named. This year, I am giving the presenting honor to Blair’s nephew and namesake, Blair Ellis, son of Dr. Ellis. I know he will feel the same pride in presenting the award as I feel each year when I stand before the new graduates. I hope that everyone in Laurel will extend a word of thanks to the Ellis family for their dedication to their town and country. I also would like to inform the past 60 recipients of the Blair Ellis Award that there are two books in the Laurel Public Library about the life of Blair “Jabbo” Ellis. These books were put together by Laurel High School Graduates, Morris Harris, Ben Sirman and Doug Marvil, and contain
Ellis brothers, from left, Blair, Joe, Dick and Pierce.
pictures of all the past winners. The books are located on the second floor of the library in the Delaware Room. The Laurel American Legion Post 19’s annual Memorial Day Service will be held on Monday, May 31, at 11 a.m. The guest
Please Join Us For Our
We honor those who fought for us, and those who are serving now at home and abroad.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 6 Front St., Seaford, DE • 302-629-9915
OPEN HOUSE Monday after Ceremony
Their Bravery Will Not Be Forgotten
They answered the call of their nation, facing danger and death to defend our freedom. On Memorial Day, we solemnly remember and honor these brave men and women for their heroic service and sacrifice. To every soldier - past and present, at home and abroad - we salute you.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT #6 Front Street Seaford, DE 302-629-9915
OPEN HOUSE
Monday after Ceremony
speaker this year will be State Representative Biff Lee. Mary Ann Young will provide beautiful patriotic music and the Laurel Middle School Band will also perform. Refreshments will follow the service and the public is invited.
Memorial
Day
SERVICE
MONDAY, MAY 31 Laurel Post 19 11 am American Legion The
12168 Laurel Road, Laurel, DE
Come hear State Representative
Biff Lee
The Laurel Middle School Band will Perform and Vocalist Mary Ann Young will Sing
RefReshments to follow - eveRyone Is InvIted