SallyGanoJones

by Sally Gano Jones

Today would be my parents’ wedding anniversary. They are both in heaven now, but I have fond thoughts of this special day in their lives.

Dad met mother when he was training with the Army in Florida at a military base. He signed up after high school graduation before WWII was declared. My mother was working at the Army base. They dated and fell in love. However, Dad knew he would soon be shipped overseas and that he would be in serious danger because of the war for quite a while. He encouraged mother to date others while he was overseas, for fear he might not return.

Dad was sent to Nuremburg, Germany, the headquarters of the Nazis. He would serve with the Railway Battalion as an aid to the General. Their main mission was to derail and destroy supplies on their way to the Nazis by rail. They were successful in destroying the Nazi’s supply line.

He and my mother wrote love letters across the ocean and talked about a possible future if he returned. Surprisingly, their love grew stronger through the distance. His correspondence and communication spoke of a future marriage. She didn’t date other soldiers because she knew in her heart she had found her true love.

Dad returned home safely on May 8, 1946. Then, one week later, on May 15th, 1946, they were happily married. I have their original marriage certificate to look at this very day. I imagine their happiness as their signatures were placed onto the marriage certificate and the long wait through a war was over.

Dad and Mom committed their lives to Christ and to one another. Their happy reunion and marriage resulted in the arrival of two daughters a few years later. I am the younger daughter. Many beautiful years of a devoted couple resulted in a very happy family life. Their love conquered the distance of an ocean and a war. I am very thankful for their devotion and determination.