Harold Terens, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, and his 96-year-old fiancee, Jeanne Swerlin, will be getting married in Carentan-les-Marais, France. The wedding ceremony will take place on Saturday and will be followed by a celebration with their loved ones in a small group. This event is happening in the same town where the meeting of Allied troops from the landings at Utah and Omaha beaches occurred in June 1944.
The Mayor of Carentan, Jean-Pierre Lhonneur, expressed his honor in having Mr. Terens choose to get married in their town. After the ceremony, Harold may join a parade of veterans in the town center if he is feeling up to it. Additionally, a liberation ball will be held as part of the D-Day commemorations that evening. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1940s attire, with soldiers from the nearby American base also present. However, Harold and Jeanne may be too tired to join in the evening festivities.
Harold Terens resides in Boca Raton, Florida with Jeanne. In an interview with me earlier this year, he described her as “the light of my life” and said that she was “the reason life is worth living.” In 2019, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor by President Emmanuel Macron for his role in liberating France during World War II. After retiring from active duty after war’s end, he lived with his first wife for over 70 years until her passing last year at age 88. It wasn’t until then that he met Jeanne and quickly fell deeply for her before they decided to become engaged last fall.
Jeanne describes Harold as “an unbelievable guy” who has aged gracefully but still maintains his handsome looks and kissing skills.
Overall, this heartwarming love story is proof that it’s never too late to find companionship and happiness later in life.
