100-Year-Old US Veteran Weds 96-Year-Old Girlfriend At Historic WWII Site

Love has no age! This adorable old couple's love story, set against the scenery of a historic battlefield and legitimately deemed "better than Romeo and Juliet," is a beautiful story. While many younger people have already lost hope in love and life, this centenarian man from WWII, whom we read about in history today, is still giving life and love another opportunity. Harold Terens, a 100-year-old US Air Force veteran from World War II, is getting married for the second time to his girlfriend, Jeanne Swerlin, 96.

100-Year-Old US Veteran To Marry Girlfriend, 96, At WWII Site 

On June 8, the adorable couple who have been dating since 2021, will tie the golden knot at the historic grounds of World War II in France. The celebration will include a small group of their closest family and well-wishers.

Moreover, the wedding will be all the more special for this Air Force veteran, as he will be honoured at a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings (June 6) in Normandy, the historic Allied operation that changed the course of the war.

Mayor Jean-Pierre Lhonneur told Agence France Presse, "We are very honoured that Mr. Terens has chosen to get married here, in Carentan, where in June 1944 the meeting of Allied troops from the landings at Utah and Omaha beaches took place."

As the venue and Teren's service hold historic significance, the wedding ceremony will be presided over by the mayor. "We will offer him champagne, of course, but also a gift to thank him for having participated in the liberation of France."

After the ceremony, "depending on his possible fatigue", Terens may join in a parade of veterans in the centre of Carentan during the afternoon, according to Sarah  Pasquier, the town hall's representative for D-Day commemorations.

How Did Their Love Blossomed?

Terens asserts to AFP, "It's a love story like you've never heard before," while Swerlin says about her fiance: "He's an unbelievable guy; I love everything about him. He's handsome and he's a good kisser."

Terens was earlier married to his wife, Thelma for 70 years, with whom he shared three children. The couple retired and settled in Florida. After Thelma died in 2018, Terens's spirits sank as he recalled how he endured "three years of feeling sorry for myself and mourning my wife.'

But the veteran soldier did not give up, as life offered him a second chance. Terens met Swerlin, a "charismatic woman who has also been widowed," in 2021 through a friend. 

Though sparks didn't ignite immediately as on the first date Terens could barely look at Swerlin, a second date proved to be the turning point and changed everything as the love blossomed between the two as the couple have not been apart since then.

Terens beams, crediting Swerling for reigniting his zest for life, as he says, "She lights up my life, she makes everything beautiful." He adds, "She makes life worth living."

Terens, who proudly wears a World War II cap embroidered with "100 Year Old vet," is also excited to return to France.  In 2019, he was awarded the nation's highest distinction, the Legion of Honor, by President Emmanuel Macron. 

This heartwarming tale might remind many of Ricky Gervais's sentimental, tragic comedy-drama After Life, Terens-Swerlin's love story is a beautiful celebration of human connection and love blossoming beyond age limits, with their spirits to never letting the zest of life dull.