WWII Veteran Marries: A World War II veteran, and his beloved Jeanne Swerlin tied the knot on Saturday near the historic D-Day beaches of Normandy, France. Their combined ages, nearing 200 years, made this union a nearly double-century celebration.
WWII Veteran Harold, 100, and Jeanne, 96, proved that love knows no age. “It’s the best day of my life,” Harold said with a smile. Jeanne, exuding youthful excitement, remarked, “Love isn’t just for young people, you know? We still get butterflies and a little action too.”
The ceremony took place at the elegant stone-worked town hall of Carentan, a key D-Day objective that witnessed fierce battles after the Allied landings on June 6, 1944. As the couple declared their vows, the town, rich in WWII history, became a symbol of enduring love and remembrance.
Normandy, adorned with flags and bunting for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, was alive with celebration. Veterans were treated like rockstars, and the streets echoed with Glenn Miller’s swing tunes. Well-wishers, some dressed in WWII-period attire, gathered an hour before the ceremony, lining the streets to cheer for the happy couple. A pipe and drum band added to the festive atmosphere.
Love Knows No Age as WWII Veteran Marries
With the mayor of Carentan officiating in English, Harold and Jeanne exchanged rings. “With this ring, I thee wed,” Harold said, to which Jeanne giggled and gasped, “Really?” They waved to the adoring crowd from an open window, Champagne flutes in hand.
“To everybody’s good health. And to peace and the preservation of democracy all over the world,” they toasted. The crowd responded with cheers of “la mariée!” – the bride!
Jeanne wore a vibrant pink flowing dress, while Harold looked dapper in a light blue suit with a matching pink kerchief. Their special day was capped with an invitation to a state dinner at the Elysee Palace, where President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden congratulated the newlyweds. Macron’s toast to French-American friendship and the couple’s union prompted cheers and a standing ovation from the guests.
Though the wedding was symbolic and not legally binding—since the mayor couldn’t wed non-residents—the couple could complete the formalities back in Florida if they wished. The mayor, Jean-Pierre Lhonneur, often says that Normandy is like the 51st state of the USA, given its reverence for Allied soldiers and their sacrifices during the Battle of Normandy.
Among the spectators was 73-year-old Jane Ollier, dressed in her mother’s 1940s dress and a red beret, who eagerly awaited a glimpse of the couple. Both widowed, Harold and Jeanne grew up in New York City, she in Brooklyn and he in the Bronx.
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Writing with a smile
