Today, October 26, 2023, would’ve been my parent’s 71st wedding anniversary if both had lived. My dad passed away two months after their 64th year together.
He was born in Nebraska and grew up in California and was in the Army during the Korean War stationed at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. She was born and raised in New Jersey and was a secretary working at Fort Monmouth.
There was also another soldier from California stationed there. Her best friend who was like a sister lived across the street from her.
One summer night in June 1952, there was a USO dance on base which was a common occurrence so my mom and her best friend attended it and I believe there were some other friends who also went along. They probably had a favorite table where they all sat.
My mom had to powder her nose and when she returned, there were two very handsome soldiers sitting at the table. I think my mom’s friend invited them to sit down. I know my mom was a little surprised and taken aback because she was already engaged.
When the music started up again, my dad asked my mom if she wanted to dance with him and his friend asked my mom’s best friend to dance, too. As they say, the rest is history!
My dad swept my mom off her feet that night. I don’t know if he and his friend had been there before and had seen my mom and her friend. But apparently, his friend swept my mom’s best friend off her feet, too.
My dad was a fantastic dancer and so was my mom, so obviously there was chemistry between them that night. My mom ended up breaking off her engagement and married my dad four months later on October 26, 1952. Her best friend ended up marrying my dad’s Army friend in November 1952. They all ended up moving to California and they stayed life-long friends. I called them Uncle and Aunt and their five children were my “cousins.” We also spent most holidays together along with their relatives.
Dancing brought my parents together and they continued dancing through their whole married life. My mom even danced while she carried me so I like to think that I inherited the dancing gene from both of them! The love of dancing is part of my heritage!
Happy 71st Anniversary, Dad and Mom!