Together, the combined age of the bride and groom totaled nearly 200 years. However, Harold Terens, a World War II veteran, and his sweetheart Jeanne Swerlin proved that love knows no bounds as they exchanged vows on Saturday in the heart of Normandy, France, just inland from the historic D-Day beaches.
With Terens at the age of 100 and Swerlin a youthful 96, their wedding became a remarkable celebration of almost two centuries of life. Terens described it as “the best day of my life.”
As the radiant bride made her way to the ceremony, she expressed, “Love is not exclusive to the young. We still feel butterflies and excitement.” She added with a mischievous smile, “And we still have a little spark, too.”
The venue for their union was the elegant town hall of Carentan, a significant objective during the initial D-Day operations in 1944. This town, like many others along the Normandy coast, commemorates and celebrates the bravery and sacrifices of the Allied troops who landed on the beaches 80 years ago, liberating Europe from the grip of Adolf Hitler’s tyranny. The streets were adorned with flags and decorations, and veterans were honored like true heroes.
While the joyous melodies of Glenn Miller and other nostalgic tunes filled the air, well-wishers, some dressed in attire reminiscent of the WWII era, eagerly gathered outside the town hall long before the ceremony began. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement, creating a truly memorable occasion.
The crowd erupted with excitement, shouting “la mariée!” as Swerlin, adorned in a vibrant pink flowing dress, made her way through. Terens, looking sharp in a light blue suit, complemented his attire with a matching pink kerchief in his breast pocket.
Their wedding night was truly extraordinary as they received a special invitation to the state dinner at the Elysee Palace on Saturday evening, hosted by President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President Joe Biden.
Macron raised his glass and congratulated the newlyweds, prompting cheers and a standing ovation from the other guests. He praised the French-American friendship and expressed gratitude to the town of Carentan for hosting the wedding and dinner.
Although the wedding ceremony itself was symbolic and not legally binding, Mayor Jean-Pierre Lhonneur’s office explained that they were unable to officiate the marriage of non-resident foreigners in Carentan. However, the couple, both being American, had the option to complete the legal formalities in Florida if they desired.
Mayor Lhonneur often emphasizes the strong bond between Normandy and the United States, considering it almost like the 51st state. This sentiment stems from the region’s deep respect and gratitude towards the Allied soldiers and the sacrifices made during the Battle of Normandy, where many never returned home.
The mayor referred to the newlyweds as an example of eternal love, echoing the sentiments felt by many Normans towards the veterans.
Dressed in a 1940s dress that belonged to her mother, Louise, and wearing a red beret, 73-year-old Jane Ollier eagerly awaited a glimpse of the couple. Both widowed, they had grown up in different neighborhoods of New York City, with Jane in Brooklyn and Terens in the Bronx.
Ollier expressed her admiration for the couple, remarking on the touching nature of finding love and getting married at their age. She believed that if it brought them happiness in the final years of their lives, it was truly fantastic.
Terens, a World War II veteran, had first visited France as a young U.S. Army Air Forces corporal shortly after D-Day. Enlisting in 1942 and stationed in Britain, he played a significant role during the war.
