Fairfield residents John and Ann Betar have been named the "longest-married couple" in the United States for 2013 by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Christian marriage group based in San Bernardino, Calif.
"It is truly an honor and a privilege to recognize John and Ann Betar for their commitment to marriage," said Ron and Judy Pekny, the United States Ecclesial Team for WWME, in a press release.
The Betars used to live across the street from each other, in Bridgeport, and John used to drive Ann to school in his Ford Roadster, according to the release. They were married Nov. 25, 1932.
Ann was supposed to marry someone else in an arranged marriage, according to the release, but the two eloped and went off to Harrison, NY to get married.
“Some people said it would never last," John said in the release. "We showed them.”
The Betars have five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
John is 101 years old, while Ann is 97, according to an AP report.
The couple will be recognized during a ceremony to be held this Saturday, Feb. 9, at their granddaughter's home, according to the release. Leading the ceremony along with the Peknys will be Fr. Rocky Grimard. Together they are the U.S. leadership for the marriage enrichment movement.
For more check out the press release.
