By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

RESERVE – Activity directors at the Southeastern Louisiana War Veterans Home gave residents a chance to reignite that old spark with their vow renewal ceremony last weekend.
Seven couples showed attendees the real meaning of love at the ceremony, which was complete with a flower girl, ring bearer and a priest’s blessing from Deacon Garland Roussell of St. Hubert Church in Garyville. The couples who were able then joined for a dancing to the tunes of the Tee Nah Nah Band. A meal was served after the ceremony.
The participating couples were: Jean and Leida Bellegarde, Albert and Georgia Caillouet, Victor and Rose Jeanne Eucola, Clarence and Rosie Leitz, Malcolm and Patricia Mire, Clark and Bobbie Turlidge and Roy and Nettie Verrett.
“St. Paul gives us, in his readings to the Corinthians, the definition of love. He tells us that love is patient, love is kind, it is never jealous, it is never in conceit. When we look at our couples this afternoon, we can see that you guys have truly lived up to the definition that St. Paul gives us. Two people coming together in love and staying in love for so many years,” said Roussell.
Malcolm and Patricia Mire have not been married quite as long as some of the other couples in the ceremony, but their engagement lasted 44 years. The Mires have been married seven years. The couple has one rat terrier named Queenie. Malcolm is a marine who served in the Korean War.
“It was a good opportune time, and we love each more every year. We will continue doing this because love is forever,” said Malcolm Mire.
“I feel the same way. It was a good refreshing feeling,” said Patricia Mire.