Cord Byrd: “a week ago today, on the 29th of May, I was fortunate to celebrate 65 years of marriage, 65 years of wedded bliss-- in…”

“a week ago today, on the 29th of May, I was fortunate to celebrate 65 years of marriage, 65 years of wedded bliss-- in this day and age, a somewhat uncommon occurrence. I am sorry this is so, for I wish that more people could know the joy I have had in finding one's soulmate early in life and then sharing that deep companionship over many happy years. In the 16th century, John Ford wrote: The joys of marriage are the heaven on earth, Life's paradise, great princess, the soul's quiet, Sinews of Concord, earthly immortality, Eternity of pleasures; no restoratives Like to a constant woman. Mr. President, my strength, my comfort, was born Erma Ora James, the daughter of a West Virginia coal miner. She was my childhood sweetheart. We married in 1937, in a time of great hardship and trial. Together, we have seen great changes in the world--a world war and numerous other conflagrations around the globe, the dawn of the nuclear age, the advent of space exploration, the collapse of communism, breathtaking medical advances, astounding technological growth, rapid social changes, and resurgent terrors. We have known the highs of life and we have known the lows of family life--the delight of two fine daughters growing up, marrying, and having children of their own; the tragedy of the loss of a grandson; the indescribable love of holding newborn great granddaughters in our arms.”