Then And Now

[Wayne M]

Then:
I was walking out the front gate of the USMC Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA, around the 1st week of March, 1961. The Marine security guard was giving some women a hard time going out the gate. I joined in with him, to the dismay of the women. I asked where they were going, and the reply was to a Pizza Parlor. Hey! I'm a guy. I tagged along. I mean, good looking women AND pizza. Good match in those days. It was a fun evening. Several more evening with one of the Woman Marines led to some dating. I have to say "some," because two weeks later we were married.

Now:
On March 17, 2011, it will be 50 years of marriage.

I don't know how I put up with her for so long, but then, maybe, that's her story.

I guess love lasts a long, long time.

[jeanmike]

Congratulations. And I bet some folks said it wouldn't last. Fair winds.

[Wayne M]

Oh so many said it wouldn't last.

Proved them wrong, didn't we.

Thanks.

[doc]

Way to go Marine! Congrats!!

[Larry & Rita]

Just a thought from an old Army guy.

You have heard the song "I met my million dollor baby at ther five and ten cent store".
I really did!!
Rita and I met when we were both 14 years old, her mom sold popcorn at the dime store and Rita was helping her out.
We were married 47 years ago and we were both told that the marrige would not make it through the weekend. Still waiting for Monday.
They just don't make unions like when all of us were glued together.

Larry and Rita

[Alan_Hepburn]

Congrats, Wayne, and Larry too!

Sandy and I hit 40 years this year - we met just before I went into the Army. I was an assistant manager at a local McDonald's and she came in looking for a job - I got her hired and she's been working for me ever since!

[4Knights]

Congratulations to you all! Dance!
Wendy and I hit 24 in December,(I told her I was like a growth you can't get rid of) when she first told her dad she was bringing someone home his first response was it better not be a Soldier! He was USMC in Korean War. Surprised him! Go Army & of course Semper Fi!
Ron

[Ray,IN]

Congratulation Wayne and Mrs.! You both obviously know a successful marriage doesn't just happen, both must work on it each day. Some days DW does 90% and I do 10%, next day it might reverse, but we even it out to 100% every day.

[Dixieray53]

Wow...My Mom and Dad did that too.... I will be on # 5 by then...
You Marines are the toughest of the tough....Congrats....D

[TXiceman]

Wayne, the congrats goes to Earlene, for putting up with you for 50 years.

Congrats folks.

Ken

[seabee13]

Congratulations to you both for 50yrs and two weeks Thanks to both for your service to God and Country. Seabee

[JohnRR]

Having hit the 47 year mark I really have to Congratulate you both on your 50th.

[Wayne M]

This was sent by DW yesterday:
"Fifty years ago tonight, St. Patrick's Day 1961, two young Marines in Service Uniform A, he with one stripe, she with none, stood before a minister in San Diego, California, and began a journey that proved to be wonderful, terrible, sad, happy, fulfilling, empty, passionate, apathetic, exciting, dull, adventurous, sedate, joyous, calamitous, idyllic, flawed, blessed and cursed. The journey to the 50th anniversary for these resolute Marines was fraught with obstacles with the most daunting being the Vietnam War. Both had nightmares long after his return from in country. She was by then a Marine's wife, no longer in service, and mother to two sons. By the time he retired from the Corps and they celebrated their silver anniversary, they had careers that sometimes crossed, sometimes didn't, and the children were living their own lives. The couple were no longer Marines and no longer young. Their vocations were as far apart as their avocations, and their animation and conversation were dim. They knew each other too well and not at all. They were passionate about their children and grandchildren but had little else in common. Retirement brought with it the other infatuation each relished - travel. The 50-year odyssey for the two Marines now leads them to the byways the Marine Corps established for them 50 years ago. They revisit the stations of their youth and gaze at other young Marines and wonder where their journeys will lead."

Posted with permission.

[Seajay]

Congrats Wayne. Very happy for you and the Misses. My first wife Linda and I were married forty three years at her death. Not bad for a Sailor Man I think. Marrage is a journey and not always on a smooth road. You hit bumps, holes, curves, uphill in the rain, sadness and the greatest joy known to man. Willa and I will not live long enough to hit the big fifty but we are living every day to the fullest and looking forward to tomorrow together. I think Earlene deserves a brass button for putting up with your sorry butt all these years cause I suspect there were times she would have ''punched you out'' and never looked back. Marines and Sailors have a lot in common and God knows we are a long way from perfect. It takes a special lady to tolerate old sea dogs like us.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS to you and Earlene and a special ''OoooohhRaaaHHHH'' to Earlene for tolerating your sorry butt all these years. She must be a very special lady.....

Be safe guys and thanks for your service to this great nation .......