By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

RESERVE – An annual ritual about the strength and lasting effects of love was performed at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve Thursday when a jubilant group of residents renewed their wedding vows with their blushing brides.

A dozen couples, whose marriage lengths ranged from five to 65 years, were on hand Thursday to participate in the event. The grooms sat in waiting at a makeshift wedding altar as an usher dressed in full military regalia escorted their wives into the dining hall one by one.

Sonya Hebert, activities director for the Veterans Home, said the wedding is one of the highlights of the year at the facility, which houses men and women who served in various military capacities in peace time and war time.

“It gives us that wonderful chance to see them happy with their wives at their side,” Hebert said. “More often than not, it is the grooms that are more emotional than the brides. It is the perfect picture of happiness.”

The ceremony was officiated by deacon Garland Roussel of St. Hubert’s Church in Garyville. Roussel read a common wedding passage from the first letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud,” Roussel read.

Following the five-minute ceremony, which included traditional wedding music, the happy couples shared a kiss and moved on to cut the cake and enjoy other refreshments in the dining hall of the home, where a DJ played golden oldies for the couples

Those celebrating anniversaries in Thursday’s ceremony included: Georgia and Albert Caillouet, Edward and Ernie Martin, Joseph and Janice Rodasta, Victor and RoseJean Buccola, Bob and Jeanne Welcker, Philip and Helen Lorio, Paul and Celeste Clement, Bill and Mary Berrige, Philip and Winnie Chauvin, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Verret and Mr. and Mrs. John Rogers.