A tale of enduring love: WWII Hero and his beloved to marry in an emotional French ceremony

In an extraordinary celebration of love and history, Harold Terens, a centenarian World War II veteran, is set to marry his 96-year-old fiancée, Jeanne Swerlin, in a heartfelt ceremony close to the Normandy beaches, a site of profound significance for the veteran. The couple’s romance, blossoming in their golden years, stands as a testament to the timeless nature of love.

Terens, who is soon to be honoured by the French government for his valour during the D-Day landings 80 years ago, shares a bond with Swerlin that is charged with excitement for the future. “I love this girl — she is quite special,” Terens shared, his words reflecting the depth of their connection. The couple, both hailing from New York, found each other in 2021 and quickly became inseparable, with Swerlin praising Terens as an “amazing guy” and highlighting his affectionate nature.

Their story is not just a late-life love tale but a journey of rediscovery, proving that the heart’s capacity for love does not diminish with age. “Being in love is not just for the young,” Swerlin remarked, emphasizing the joy and nervousness they feel, akin to younger lovers. The couple’s shared history, enriched by their experiences in New York and personal narratives from the war, adds layers to their profound connection.

Terens’ military service saw him enlist in 1942, playing a crucial role in the Allied invasion of Normandy and later transporting prisoners of war and freed American soldiers. Reflecting on his comrades who didn’t return, Terens said, “I loved all those guys. Young men. The average age was 26.” His service and sacrifice are a poignant backdrop to his and Jeanne’s love story.

After the passing of his first wife, Thelma, to whom he was married for 70 years, Terens found love again with Swerlin, a widow herself. Their forthcoming nuptials, set in Carentan-les-Marais near the D-Day landing sites, are not just a union of two hearts but a celebration of life’s enduring capacity for new beginnings.

The ceremony, to be held in a chapel dating back to the 1600s, symbolizes more than their personal joy; it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of those who served and sacrificed. As Terens and Swerlin prepare to exchange vows, their story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that love, indeed, knows no age.