A California couple, both over 100 years old, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary by raising a glass to eight decades together. Jennifer McMullen, 101, and her husband Mel McMullen, who will turn 101 in June, gathered with loved ones at their retirement community in Whittier, where the couple still resides together.
A Love Story Spanning Nearly a Century
They first met nearly a century ago, became engaged just six weeks later, and married in 1946. Together, they raised three sons 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 milestone with a champagne toast, honoring the history they have lived together. 'I was born in 1925, and she was born in 1924,' Mel said, admitting that 'aging together is the best part.' He added, '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.'
Contributions During World War II
The couple reflected on their extraordinary achievements, beginning in the World War II era. Mel was a decorated WWII veteran, serving as a B-24 gunner in the Army Air Corps as part of the famed 'Flying Tigers.' 'Most of our missions were bombing missions in occupied parts of China and Burma,' he recalled. '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.'
Jennifer worked as a real-life Rosie the Riveter at Lockheed Martin, building warplanes 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 said. 'Usually wings. We started one all the way up and you'd go back again. We did parts of planes.'
How They Met and Married
Their worlds collided at the end of the war. After Mel returned from China, his mother rented Jennifer a front bedroom in Los Angeles. It was Mel's brother, Jim, who originally set them up, telling Jennifer she should meet his younger brother. 'You'd be good together,' he said. Eighty years later, Mel still remembers what he fell in love with: 'Everything about her. 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. Jennifer and Mel settled in Whittier to raise their three sons, Tim, Tucker, and Kevin, describing their life as filled with adventure and happy memories. They later welcomed four grandchildren.
Celebrating with Loved Ones
At the Oakmont retirement community, they were showered with affection from people across all stages of their lives. One of their sons performed an original song in their honor. 'I've been with this guy for 80 long years, and most of them have been really good,' Jennifer told the Whittier Daily News.
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.'
The Secret to a Long Marriage
When asked the secret to a long and happy marriage, they paused, unable to pinpoint what made their story so special. Jennifer then offered a simpler answer: 'The secret is love.' They both said thoughtfulness and understanding toward one another have gone a long way. 'I think just try to keep happy and keep an open mind,' Mel said. 'Never think that what you think is better than what anyone else thinks.' Jennifer added: 'You have to work through it all. Be sure to tell people that. It doesn't come easy.'
The couple's story continues. Together, they will travel to the National WWII Museum on June 5, Mel's 101st birthday, where Jennifer will receive an American Spirit Award alongside composer John Williams, both honored for their courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
