Honoring Service, Celebrating Life: WWII Navy Veteran Jack Anderson
At Gilchrist, we believe that honoring those who served our country is one of the most meaningful ways we can support our patients and families. Through our Veterans Task Force and the Salute to Service program, our dedicated team of veteran volunteers provides personalized tributes to patients who served in the armed forces. These ceremonies offer a final salute to those whose lives were shaped by service, ensuring they are recognized with dignity, respect, and gratitude.
Recently, the Veterans Task Force had the privilege of honoring World War II Navy veteran Jack Anderson with a Salute to Service tribute surrounded by his loving family.
A Life of Service and Love
Jack Anderson was born in Maryland in June of 1925, alongside his twin sister Betty, fondly known as Betz. He grew up admiring his older brother, Bud, and spending time with his sisters, Betty and Evelyn. At just 18 years old, Jack answered the call to serve, enlisting in the U.S. Navy on September 21, 1943. Trained as an aviation electrician, he served aboard an aircraft carrier during WWII until his honorable discharge in April 1946.
Following his military service, Jack worked as an appliance repairman—a career that reflected his skill and attention to detail.
Jack married Myrtle Wright in 1946, and together they raised three children: Donna, Derek, and Therese. In 1977, Jack remarried Phyllis Weber, becoming a stepfather to Lynn and Ross. Over the years, his family grew to include grandchildren Heather, Lauren, Brian, Danielle, and Shannon, along with great-grandchildren Michael, Dalton, Ryan, Jack, and Chelsea.
Jack was known for his kindness, chivalry, and zest for life. According to his granddaughter, Lauren, Jack was “the most chivalrous, kind, and loving man you would ever meet.” He loved food, music, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Whether tending his garden, ballroom dancing with Phyllis, or cruising the open sea with family, Jack embraced life fully and joyfully. He was also a devoted member and past president of his Catholic Church’s Holy Name Society, where he was named “Man of the Year” and honored at Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium.
A Final Salute
In recognition of his service and legacy, Jack was recently honored with a Salute to Service tribute conducted by Gilchrist’s team of veteran volunteers. The ceremony included an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the presentation of a certificate of appreciation from Gilchrist. Jack also received a replica of President Truman’s letter to all returning WWII service members, a We Honor Veterans pin, and a patriotic blanket handmade by a Gilchrist volunteer.
Jack’s daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter were each presented with Proud Family Member of a Veteran pins. After the presentation, a Navy veteran volunteer read the moving poem, When the Last Hand Comes Aboard, written especially for Navy veterans. The ceremony concluded with an honor salute by the seven veteran volunteers and a final closing prayer. “It is such an honor to salute a WWII veteran,” one of the veteran volunteers shared.
Through programs like Salute to Service, Gilchrist is privileged to honor heroes like Jack Anderson and provide comfort and recognition to those who served.
To learn more about Gilchrist’s Veterans Task Force and how we support veterans and their families, visit gilchristcares.org/we-honor-veterans.