A California couple, both over 100 years old, celebrated their second ruby wedding anniversary by raising a glass to 80 years side by side.
Jennifer McMullen, 101, and her husband Mel McMullen, who is set to turn 101 in June, gathered with loved ones this week at their retirement community in Whittier, where the couple still lives together.
They first laid eyes on each other nearly a century ago, became engaged just six weeks later and married in 1946, eventually raising three sons together in Southern California.
'I think we've held it together pretty well and had a wonderful family, so I'm most proud of my children and also our lasting love,' Jennifer told ABC 7 News.
Family, friends and community members celebrated the couple’s 80th wedding anniversary Wednesday with a champagne toast honoring the history they've lived together.
'I was born in 1925, and she was born in 1924,' Mel said, before admitting that 'aging together is the best part,' according to the outlet.
'I'm over 100 years old but what I was doing when I was 18 is still a part of history, so that is worthwhile,' he added.
The pair reflected on their extraordinary achievements throughout their lives, beginning in the World War II era, when they each made significant contributions of their own.
Jennifer McMullen, 101, and her husband Mel McMullen, who is set to turn 101 in June, gathered with loved ones to celebrate their 80th wedding anniversary
Mel and Jennifer first met nearly a century ago, became engaged just six weeks later and married in 1946
The couple celebrated the milestone at their retirement community in Whittier, where they still live together
The pair's history dates back to the World War II era, when they each made significant contributions
Mel was a decorated World War II veteran, while Jennifer worked as a real-life Rosie the Riveter building warplanes before they even met.
'Most of our missions were bombing missions in occupied parts of China and Burma,' Mel told the outlet.
He served as a B-24 gunner in the Army Air Corps as part of the famed 'Flying Tigers.'
'I was proud of being a nose turret gunner right up in the front of the airplane so it was an exciting thing for a 17-18 year old boy,' the vet added.
Meanwhile, Jennifer worked at Lockheed Martin during the war, as part of a workforce supporting secret military aviation projects.
'Some women worked on really heavy machines but I was fortunate that I was interviewed and became a riveter,' she told ABC. 'Usually wings. We started one all the way up and you'd go back again. We did parts of planes.'
Their worlds collided at the end of the war, when Jennifer was living in Los Angeles and experienced the homecomings firsthand.
'I was right in the middle of all the hugging, grabbing, kissing,' Jennifer told the outlet. 'I was there for all of that and it was great.'
Mel served as a B-24 gunner in the Army Air Corps as part of the famed 'Flying Tigers'
Jennifer worked as a real-life Rosie the Riveter building warplanes at Lockheed Martin as part of a workforce supporting secret military aviation projects
After Mel returned from China following his wartime service, his mother rented Jennifer a front room in Los Angeles, where they first met
They officially tied the knot on May 13, 1946, in a double ceremony at a military base in Salt Lake City, while Mel's brother Jim and Jennifer’s best friend Janie did the same
Mel said that 'aging together is the best part'
One of the returning veterans was Mel, whose mother rented Jennifer a front bedroom after he returned from China.
But it was actually his brother, Jim, who originally set them up, telling Jennifer she should meet his younger brother. 'You’d be good together,' he said, according to KTLA News.
Eighty years later, Mel said he still remembers exactly what he fell in love with, as though it all unfolded yesterday.
'Everything about her,' he told ABC. 'Her beautiful looks. Her jobs that she had. She was just a great person.'
They officially tied the knot on May 13, 1946, in a double ceremony at a military base in Salt Lake City, while Jim and Jennifer’s best friend Janie did the same, according to Whittier Daily News. The close bond between them endured for years to come.
Jennifer and Mel settled down in Whittier to raise their three sons, Tim, Tucker and Kevin, and described their life as filled with adventure and countless happy memories. They later welcomed four grandchildren.
While celebrating with loved ones at the Oakmont retirement community, they were showered with affection from people across all stages of their lives, and one of their sons even performed an original song in their honor, according to KTLA.
'I’ve been with this guy for 80 long years, and most of them have been really good,' Jennifer told the Daily News.
While celebrating with loved ones at the Oakmont retirement community, one of their sons performed an original song in their honor
Jennifer and Mel settled down in Whittier to raise their three sons, Tim, Tucker and Kevin
Jennifer and Mel said that thoughtfulness and understanding toward one another have gone a long way throughout every phase of their lives
Pictured: Mel and Jennifer visiting the Stilwell Museum in China in 2023 for a Flying Tigers delegation
Mel, who joked that his memory only goes back 10 minutes, said: 'I’m in love with her more and more every day, and she tolerates me more and more every day.'
When asked the question everyone wants answered - the secret to a long and happy marriage - they paused, unable to pinpoint what made their story so special, only that they had done everything together.
Jennifer then offered a simpler answer: 'The secret is love.'
They both said that thoughtfulness and understanding toward one another have gone a long way throughout every phase of their lives.
'I think just try to keep happy and keep an open mind,' Mel said, according to KTLA. 'Never think that what you think is better than what anyone else thinks.'
Jennifer shared a bit more advice with the Daily News: 'You have to work through it all. Be sure to tell people that. It doesn't come easy.'
The couple's story is far from over.
Together, as always, they will travel to the National WWII Museum on June 5, Mel’s 101st birthday, according to the outlet.
Jennifer will receive an American Spirit Award alongside composer John Williams, both honored for their courage, sacrifice and resilience.