World War II veteran Harold Terens, 100, and his sweetheart Jeanne Swerlin, 96, tied the knot in Carentan, France, near the D-Day beaches in Normandy. The couple exchanged vows at the town hall, where they declared their love and exchanged rings. The bubbly bride-to-be expressed that love is not just for young people and that they still get butterflies and excitement. The wedding was attended by well-wishers and a pipe and drum band, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Following the ceremony, Terens and Swerlin enjoyed Champagne with the crowd outside and waved to the adoring spectators. They were invited to a state dinner at the Elysee Palace with President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden, where they were congratulated on their marriage. The wedding was symbolic and not legally binding, as the mayor was not able to marry foreigners who are not residents of Carentan. However, the couple could complete the formalities back in Florida if they wished.
The couple, both widowed and originally from New York City, grew up in different boroughs but found love later in life. Terens served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II and played a role in repairing planes on D-Day. Swerlin expressed her admiration for her new husband, calling him the greatest kisser ever. The lovebirds, both in their nineties, received support and well wishes from spectators, illustrating the hope for happiness and love at any age.
The mayor of Carentan praised the couple’s love as eternal, drawing parallels between their relationship and the gratitude that many Normans feel towards veterans. The wedding celebration honored the sacrifices made by Allied soldiers on the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The town was decorated with flags and bunting, paying tribute to the events of June 6, 1944, when Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to fight against Hitler’s tyranny.
The couple’s wedding drew attention from onlookers, including 73-year-old Jane Ollier, who found the ceremony touching and heartwarming. Terens’ experiences during World War II, including transporting captured Germans and American POWs, added depth to the celebration. The couple’s union symbolized the enduring power of love and the importance of cherishing happiness and companionship at any age. Through their story, Terens and Swerlin demonstrated that love knows no bounds, even at nearly 200 years of combined age.
