In September 1946, a former government girl named Gladys was working in the Office of Personnel in Washington, DC. One day she spied a movie-star-handsome man waiting to be processed for a new job. Gladys caught his eye.
When he smiled at her, his brilliant blue eyes sparkled. She smiled back easily with a smile so memorable it was spoken about years later at her funeral. Once he’d left, she turned to a co-worker and said, “I’m going to marry that man.” The co-worker chuckled in jest.
Gladys Martin Heiser
Charlie, the man with the sparkling blue eyes, came around looking for Gladys, and by spring 1947 they were seeing each other regularly. One day while eating lunch in the cafeteria a coworker joked, “When you gonna marry her?”
Charles Leroy Heiser
“June 14th ,” Charlie replied without hesitation.
Gladys was taken aback since they hadn’t talked about marriage, but sure enough Charlie and Gladys were married on June 14th 1947 – Flag Day. Their wedding photo can be seen in the header of this blog.
My mom, Gladys, always told that story like it had just happened…reliving it every time…describing how she felt when she saw him across the room for the first time…and how she just knew he was the man she would marry. Oh, how she loved my dad.
Yes, I will fly a flag on Flag Day. But mostly I will dwell on memories of my movie-star-handsome dad and my mother’s beautiful smile. June 14th , for me, will always be their anniversary first and Flag Day second. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Miss you like crazy.
Do you have any special holidays like this in your family? Comment below to share.
Copyright © 2014 Nancy H. Vest All Rights Reserved
Love at first sight. What a sweet story. Such visual writing! I could see her sparkling eyes and sweet smile. What a wonderful thing to remember the holidays that made happy memories instead of the ones that bring sadness.
This is one of most favorite stories about my parents. I’m glad you enjoyed it.