A Seabee’s Century: Saluting the Service of George Brown
As a U.S. Navy Seabee, George Brown didn’t just serve—he built. From jungles in New Guinea to classrooms in Baltimore, George’s legacy is one of service, strength, and education. Now, at 100 years old, George was recently honored by Gilchrist with a Salute to Service tribute surrounded by family—including his great-granddaughter holding the American flag. The moment reflected a century of impact, lived with purpose and pride.
Building Roads, Bases—and a Life of Purpose
George Brown was born in Baltimore in 1925 and enlisted in the Navy the very next day after graduating from Baltimore City College—America’s third-oldest high school. He joined the Navy’s construction battalion, the Seabees, and was assigned to the 113th Construction Battalion.
In May 1944, George and his fellow Seabees arrived in New Guinea by LST landing craft and immediately began carving infrastructure out of the jungle. Over the next several months, they built roads, communication lines, docks, and a destroyer repair base. They also constructed housing, warehouses, garages, and a chapel—but George was particularly proud of one special accomplishment: helping build a 15,000-seat amphitheater for USO shows, including one featuring Bob Hope.
After the war, George used the GI Bill to attend Loyola College, followed by a master’s in education from Johns Hopkins University. He went on to become a dedicated teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools and later an editor for My Weekly Reader, bringing current events to students across the country.
A Legacy of Faith, Family, and Coaching
George married Mary Jane Moore, and together they raised three children: George Jr., Joan, and Mary Catherine. He is also grandfather to Bonnie and Matthew, and great-grandfather to Ivy Rose.
Even after retirement, George continued to serve—this time as a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church. He was also a runner and an active coach for track and field, cross-country, and wheelchair soccer for a Paralympic team. His life has always reflected the Seabee motto he lived by during the war: “Can Do.”
Saluting a Century of Service
As George turned 100, Gilchrist had the honor of recognizing him with a Salute to Service tribute. These tributes are a meaningful part of Gilchrist’s commitment to honoring veterans, offering personalized recognition for those who served their country with distinction.
Each tribute is designed with care, offering not only a moment of acknowledgment for the veteran, but also a lasting memory for their loved ones. George’s ceremony began with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, proudly led by his great-granddaughter holding the flag. He received a certificate from Gilchrist, a We Honor Veterans pin from the Veterans Administration, a handmade patriotic blanket, and a thank-you card crafted by a student. The ceremony closed with an honor salute, which George—true to form—returned with strength and dignity.
When reflecting on his service, George said, “I was proud to be a Seabee and do my part in living up to our motto of ‘Can Do!’”
And even a hundred years later, George Brown is still living that motto.
To learn more, visit: Gilchrist’s We Honor Veterans Program.