World War II veteran Harold Terens, who risked his life in the town of Carentan-les-Marais 80 years earlier, got married at the age of one hundred to his 96-year-old girlfriend. This special event took place a few days after being honored on the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings in the presence of several world leaders. The town of Carentan-les-Marais was liberated from the Germans by the allies after a fierce battle.
The ceremony was attended by dozens of guests, some dressed in military uniforms, as Terens and Swerlin exchanged their vows to the music of “I will always love you” and “Ave Maria.” The couple expressed their love for each other, with Swerlin stating that she feels like a queen and Terens mentioning that it is the best moment of his life. The mayor of Carentan-les-Marais highlighted the significance of the location for the couple’s wedding, given its historical importance in World War II.
Following the ceremony, there will be a liberation ball as part of the D-Day commemorations, where participants are encouraged to dress in 1940s-themed clothing. Terens, who was awarded the French Legion of Honor in 2019, had been married to his first wife for 70 years before her passing in 2018. He met Swerlin in 2021, and the two have been inseparable ever since. They describe their relationship as better than Romeo and Juliet, with Swerlin praising Terens as an incredible guy.
The couple now resides in Boca Raton, Florida, and looks forward to celebrating their new life together in France, where Terens served during World War II. Their story of love and companionship at an advanced age serves as an inspiring reminder of the enduring power of love.