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

Love has no age! The love story in the backdrop of a historic battlefield of this adorable oldie couple rightfully described by them as "better than Romeo and Juliet" is a heartwarming tale. While many young adults are losing hope in love and life already, this centenarian man from the times of WWII that we read in history today is still giving a second chance to life and love. 

A US Air Force veteran from the times of World War II, Harold Terens, who is now 100 is all set to marry for the second time in his life to his sweetheart Jeanne Swerlin, 96. And to make it more special, the adorable couple who have been dating since 2021 has chosen a special place to tie the golden knot to their love as they are all set to marry at the historic grounds of World War II in France. 

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

This June will be a special month for this Air Force veteran, as Terens will be honored on June 6 at a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, the historic Allied operation that changed the course of the war.

But June would be more special for Terens and his girlfriend Swerlin as the couple will also tie the knot two days later to the commemoration honour of Terens in the romantic state of France. The couple will exchange vows at the picturesque location of Carentan-les-Marais, close to the beaches. 

The location chosen by the couple holds great significance as these beaches were once paraded by WWII soldiers who waded ashore as many fought and died for freedom in 1944. As the place and the veteran's connection hold a deep connection from the past and history, Teren's ceremony will be presided over by the town's mayor.

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 and 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.