A 100-year-old World War II veteran has opened up about finding love and the validation that came with sharing their relationship publicly.
Speaking to Storycorps, John Banvard introduced his husband and partner of 25-years, 72-year-old Vietnam veteran Jerry Nadeau.
Meeting in 1993, a decade after Banvard's wife passed away, both men were "sort of in the closet" and initially kept their relationship quiet. However, after two decades of adventures and companionship the couple moved into a senior home for veterans together and decided to get married.
“I was expecting we’d be ridiculed,” Banvard admitted, adding that they were nervous of how their relationship would be received by other residents of the home.
“We said, 'If you came to see the bride, you’re out of luck!'” Nadeau laughed.
Fortunately, the couple's neighbours were nothing but accepting of their marriage.
“You’ve made my life complete,” Nadeau tells Banvard towards the end of the Storycorp interview, which you can watch here.
“I could say the same thing to you,” Banvard replies.
He continues: “I think we’re probably as happy together as any two people you’re likely to meet.”
