By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

RESERVE – Joined by friends, family and fellow veterans, a jubilant group of retired veterans living in the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve gathered with their wives to renew their wedding vows in a ceremony held Thursday.

The 11 grooms sat in waiting at a makeshift altar as their wives, escorted one by one by regular Veterans Home volunteer Von Fish dressed in military garb, entered the hall to traditional wedding music played by Dr. Music, a St. Charles Parish DJ. Young Mya Guy, who played the role of flower girl, led the procession.

The touching ceremony was officiated by Reserve Deacon Dave Farinelly, who often celebrates mass for the veterans at the home.

“Wars could not keep you apart,” said Farinelly. “You all stayed together and remained together – some of you for more than half a century – and that is a wonderful thing. You set an exceptional example to all of our young people, who often struggle through marriage.”

Following the five-minute ceremony, the happy couples shared a kiss and moved on to cut a brides’ cake and a grooms’ cake in addition to other refreshments.

The couple married the shortest time was Evander and Judy Stewart, who have been married 41 years. The couple with the longest time together was Mr. and Mrs. John Laurent, who have been married 64 years. Others celebrating their unions at Thursday’s ceremony include Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Triana, Mr. and Mrs. Lorio, Mr. and Mrs. Buccola, Mr. and Mrs. Luzkowski, Mr. and Mrs. Salvaggio, Mr. and Mrs. Willette, Mr. and Mrs. Cambre and Mr. and Mrs. Laiche.