CARENTAN-LES-MARAIS, France – World War II veteran Harold Terens, 96, made a poignant return to Normandy, a place that holds significant memories for him. Terens, who first visited Normandy after D-Day as a U.S. Army Air Forces corporal, recently returned to the region for a much happier occasion – his wedding. After participating in the 80th-anniversary commemoration of D-Day, Terens and his fiancée, 96-year-old Jeanne Swerlin, tied the knot in a symbolic ceremony at a stone building in Carentan-les-Marais.

The ceremony, while not legally binding, was a special moment for the couple, who exchanged rings, kissed, and celebrated their love with Champagne. Terens shared with The Washington Post that while the ceremony may not be legally recognized, he considers the marriage official and has no plans to pursue a legal marriage in the United States. The couple expressed their joy by waving to onlookers from a second-floor window after the ceremony.

Terens and Swerlin, both New York City natives who met later in life, found love unexpectedly after the passing of their previous partners. Their blossoming romance, which began after a chance meeting in Florida, led to a whirlwind romance that culminated in a heartfelt proposal in Swerlin’s garage. Both having experienced loss and grief, the couple found solace and happiness in each other’s company.

The wedding, attended by around 40 relatives, was a touching affair with personal touches, including Swerlin walking down the aisle to her granddaughter singing Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” The town’s mayor officiated the ceremony, where the couple exchanged vows and pledged their love to each other in front of their loved ones.

Despite the couple’s advanced age, they expressed optimism and excitement about their future together. Terens, who had a special connection to Normandy due to his military service, honored the memory of the fallen soldiers by dedicating his wedding to them. The couple’s journey from loss to love and now marriage serves as a heartwarming reminder of the enduring power of love and companionship.

As they embark on their honeymoon in Paris, Terens and Swerlin look forward to a long and happy life together, cherishing the love they found later in life and the journey that brought them together. Their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of finding love at any age.