Fox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
A Navy veteran couple celebrated their romantic and patriotic 80th wedding anniversary on the same day World War II ended in 1945, marking a milestone both personal and historic. Ray Williams, 101, and his wife Ellie Williams, 99, spoke with Fox News senior correspondent Jonathan Serrie to share their 'lifelong love story' on 'America Reports.
' For most Americans, Aug. 15, 1945 — Victory over Japan Day, or V-J Day — commemorates the moment Japan announced its intent to surrender, informally bringing an end to World War II. But for Ray and Ellie Williams, it represents something even more profound: the start of their marriage and eight decades of partnership. UK, JAPAN, PRESIDENT TRUMP MARK 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF V-J DAY Ray and Ellie Williams were serving together in the Navy when their romance budded in the midst of World War II. 'I thought he looked good in his hat,' Ellie Williams recalled. Ray Williams was enlisted, and Ellie Williams was a volunteer with Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service , a branch of the Naval Reserve created during the war to integrate women into the wartime effort. Their courtship was short at just four months, but it was enough. 'I just liked the way we kind of enjoyed being together,' Ellie Williams told Fox News. After their whirlwind romance, Ray Williams proposed, and the pair set a wedding date for Aug. 15, 1945. By chance, their chosen date coincided with one of the most significant days in world history. 101-YEAR-OLD WWII VETERAN WAS ONE OF THE FIRST FEMALES TO DEPLOY OVERSEAS: ‘WAS A THRILL’ The very day they made their nuptials, Japan announced its surrender, effectively concluding years of global conflict and putting World War II to an end. Japan’s surrender sparked celebrations across the United States and among Allied nations ahead of the official signing of the surrender document on Sept. 2, 1945. For the newlyweds, the day carried a double meaning. 'V-J Day was a tremendous happening, and of course, we had the personal joy of being newlyweds,' Ray Williams reflected. 'It was a double joy for us.' Today, the couple live together at WellStar Atherton Place, a senior living community in Marietta, Ga., which held a ceremony to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the couple’s 'double joy,' remembering the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and honoring the beginning of Ray and Ellie Williams' enduring marriage. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The 'sheer coincidence' has tied their marriage to history. Each year, as the world commemorates the end of World War II, the duo have had another reason to celebrate — the success of their own union. The couple told Serrie their advice for a lasting, loving marriage: Don’t hold grudges, and be prepared to compromise. They also said they have relied heavily on their Christian faith. While many remember V-J Day for its victory for world peace, Ray and Ellie Williams celebrate even more.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Angel Reese Set Another New WNBA Record in First Game After All-Star BreakAngel Reese remains a double-double machine the likes of which the WNBA has never seen.
Read more »
In-N-Out’s double-double move to Tennessee“All my taxes are in California / And that’s why I hang my hat in Tennessee.”
Read more »
Emmanuel Clase, Hunter Gaddis do double duty in double dip: Guardians takeawaysEmmanuel Clase and Hunter Gaddis worked double time on Saturday against the Royals.
Read more »
Dallas Wings routed by Aces as A’Ja Wilson powers Las Vegas with double-doubleWith Paige Bueckers out, the Wings couldn’t hang with Las Vegas and the defending WNBA MVP.
Read more »
A'ja Wilson shocked at becoming first WNBA player with a 30-20 double-doubleThere was only one way Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon could describe reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson becoming the first player in league history to register a 30-20 double-double
Read more »
Queen Camilla Wore a Meaningful Pin to Mark the 80th Anniversary of VJ DayCan you believe Prince William and Kate Middleton married a decade ago? If you want to relive their fairytale nuptials, look no further. From their extravagant ceremony at Westminster Abbey to the deets on both of Kate’s wedding dresses, here’s a look back at the couple’s special day.
Read more »