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<\/p>\nThe bride is ninety-seven years old. The bridegroom is ninety-eight. The couple has been married for 77 years. <\/p>\n
They were finally able to relive some very wonderful wedding memories that they missed out on all <\/p>\n
those years ago, thanks to some very special people who helped them celebrate their latest anniversary.<\/p>\n
The caregivers for the elderly couple in their Oelwein, Iowa home, the St. Croix Hospice team, have grown to see the Kings as members of the family. <\/p>\n
Their caregivers wanted to do something special to mark the approaching significant anniversary, and since they were somewhat familiar with the couple’s background, they devised the ideal scheme.<\/p>\n
The world was a very different place on September 16, 1944, when Frankie and Royce King exchanged vows. <\/p>\n
With World War II dragging on, America and its allies were resolutely fighting the Axis Powers. Royce was in the U.S. Air Force,<\/p>\n
waiting for final instructions to ship out, but he was determined to get married to Frankie, his high school sweetheart, before being sent overseas.<\/p>\n
The little, plain church ceremony had few bells and whistles. Frankie wore a suit, not a lace gown.<\/p>\n
No photographer was present to capture the vows.<\/p>\n
After a span of two days, Royce departed to commence his responsibilities as a carrier pilot, following a routine flight path that passed across the Himalayas.<\/p>\n
Frankie and Royce’s life together has more than made up for the lack of grandeur of their wedding. <\/p>\n
After raising two children, four grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, the Kings are still happily married.<\/p>\n
Their lifetime of spreading generosity throughout their community is only surpassed by the affection they have for one another.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The St. Croix team went all out for the anniversary celebrations. A staff member escorted Frankie under a flower-covered archway to where Royce, <\/p>\n
dressed in full Air Force attire, was waiting for her. While another staff member took photo after photo, one played Big Band era songs on his sax.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Photographer Hilary Michelson wrote on Facebook, \u2018Absolutely no shame in the fact that I had a hard time keeping it together behind the lens.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018I do photography as a hobby and work full-time at St. Croix Hospice. I have a strong enthusiasm for both of my jobs, so seeing them work together last week filled me with immense joy.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Sue Bilodeau, the daughter of the Kings, who witnessed her parents’ celebration, is currently organizing a photo album of their most treasured moments. <\/p>\n
She told The Washington Post, \u2018It was definitely one of the most special things ever.\u2019 \u2018The St. Croix staff <\/p>\n
collaborated to ensure they could have their special day when Mom mentioned she didn’t have time to plan a large wedding and didn’t have a photographer.\u2019 <\/p>\n
According to Bilodeau, those who doubt the enduring power of true love can be disproven by examining the example given by their parents. <\/p>\n
\u2018Together they demonstrate that a great love takes kindness and perseverance,\u2019 she said to the Post.<\/p>\n
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