Tilton, NH – At the New Hampshire Veterans Home, a quiet but powerful voice of the Greatest Generation remains. Gerry Jutras, the home’s only resident who served in World II, sat down with News 9 to recount his experience in the Navy and the enduring impact of his service.
Service in the final months of the war
Jutras enlisted at age 17 in 1945, just as the war was drawing to a close. “My uncle was in the Army in Italy. He was five years older than me, sleeping on the ground. I didn’t want to sleep on the ground, so I said I’ll join the Navy and I’ll have a bunk!” he recalled, smiling at the memory of his youthful determination.
He served aboard a naval vessel during the closing weeks of the conflict, witnessing the final push that brought peace to a world torn by war. Though his time in uniform was brief, the experience left an indelible mark on his life.
Remembering fallen comrades
“All my buddies were all in. We were seven guys that used to hang around together. They’re all dead except me now,” Jutras said, his voice tinged with both sorrow and gratitude. The loss of his fellow servicemen underscores the rapid passage of time; the median age of surviving World II veterans now hovers around 98, and the National WWII Museum estimates only about 30,000 remain alive nationwide.
Kimberly MacKay, a spokesperson for the Veterans Home, noted that while a few more veterans may join the residence in the future, they are “few and far between.” She added that many of these seniors rarely speak about their service, often responding to thanks with humility: “I was just doing what I was asked to do by my country; it wasn’t me, it was everybody else.”
Pride in a historic legacy
Jutras expressed pride in being part of what he calls “the Greatest Generation.” He recalled reading Tom Brokaw’s book on the era and visiting the World War II Memorial, as well as participating in an Honor Flight with fellow veteran Joe Byron. “I’m really proud that I was in,” he affirmed.
His story serves as a living reminder of the sacrifices made by a generation that helped shape modern America. As the nation prepares to say farewell to the last of these veterans, Jutras’ reflections offer both a tribute to those who served and a call to remember the values of duty, faith, and family that defined their era.
Looking ahead
The New Hampshire Veterans Home continues to honor its residents, providing care and a community for those who gave so much. While the number of World II veterans dwindles, the home remains committed to preserving their stories for future generations, ensuring that the legacy of service endures in the heart of New Hampshire.
Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.
