Centenarian World War II veteran ties the knot with 96-year-old partner near Normandy's D-Day shores.
A hundred-year-old man and a ninety-six-year-old woman tied the knot, making their wedding a celebration lasting almost a century. "This is the best day of my life," said Terens.
As the bride made her way into the ceremony, she said, "It's not only for young people, love! We also get butterflies and some action." The wedding took place at the elegant town hall of Carentan, a place steeped in history as it was a crucial objective during the D-Day landings that marked the beginning of the end of Adolf Hitler's tyranny in Europe.
The town, like many others along the Normandy coast where nearly 160,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches under heavy fire, was bustling with remembrance and celebration on the eightieth anniversary of the brave deeds and sacrifices of young soldiers and civilians. It was decorated with flags, bunting, and veterans who were treated like rockstars.
The sounds of Glenn Miller and other period music filled the streets as well-wishers, some dressed in WWII-era clothes, awaited the wedding outside the town hall. A rousing pipe and drum band added to the festivities, serenading the happy couple.
Both Terens and Swerlin declared "yes" to the vows read by Carentan's mayor in English, then exchanged rings.
Terens said, "With this ring, I thee wed." Swerlin giggled and responded, "Really?"
With champagne flutes in their hands, they waved to the crowd through an open window. "To everyone's good health, and to peace in the world, the preservation of democracy, and the end of the war in Ukraine and Gaza," Terens said as they clinked glasses and drank.
The crowd cheered and called out "la mariée!" (the bride) for Swerlin, who wore a long, vibrant pink dress. Terens looked dapper in a light-blue suit and a pink kerchief in his breast pocket.
They even had a very special post-wedding reception: They were invited to the state dinner at the Élysée Palace that evening with French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden.
Macron offered his congratulations, causing cheers and a standing ovation from other guests. "Carentan was happy to host your wedding, and we're thrilled to host your wedding dinner," he told the couple.
However, the marriage was symbolic, not legally binding. Carentan's mayor, Jean-Pierre Lhonneur, said he didn't have the authority to wed foreigners who aren't Carentan residents. Although the couple, who reside in the United States, hadn't requested legally binding vows, they could always complete them back in Florida if they wished.
Lhonneur often says that Normandy is like the 51st state of the US, given its love and gratitude for the Allied soldiers and the sacrifices made by tens of thousands who never made it home from the Battle of Normandy.
"Love is eternal — maybe," the mayor said, referring to the newlyweds. "I hope for them the best happiness together."
Jane Ollier, a seventy-three-year-old spectator who was dressed in a 1940s dress that belonged to her mother, marveled at the idea of getting married at that age. "It's so touching to get married at that age," she said. "If it brings them happiness in their final years, that's fantastic."
Terens first visited France when he was 20, a US Army Air Forces corporal shortly after D-Day. He enlisted in 1942 and, after being sent to Britain, was assigned as a radio repair technician for a four-pilot P-47 Thunderbolt fighter unit.
During D-Day, Terens assisted in repairing planes returning from France to join the fight. He said that half his company's pilots perished that day. Terens traveled to France twelve days after D-Day, helping to transport newly captured Germans and just-freed American POWs to England. After the Nazi surrender in May 1945, he once again helped transport freed Allied prisoners to England before shipping back to the US a month later.
Swerlin made it clear that her centenarian husband was far from lacking in charm. "He's the greatest kisser ever, you know?" she declared proudly before they embraced enthusiastically for the cameras.
"All right! That's it for now!" Terens said when they emerged from a long, passionate kiss.
"And there's more to come later?" Swerlin teased.
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The candid conversation between Terens and Swerlin took place over a cup of coffee at a quaint European cafe. "I've always wanted to travel to different parts of the world, especially Europe," Terens shared with Swerlin.
In their retirement years, the couple found themselves reminiscing about the past and looking forward to future adventures. "We should visit more European cities," Swerlin suggested, mentally listing the iconic landmarks they'd yet to explore.
