"We met in June 1968. I had just graduated from high school, and went to apply for a secretarial job (where Bob had already worked). I had numerous interviews with the personnel manager before being hired. We said, "Hi," to each other every time I walked into the building. I found out later that he had known when I would be there and had been waiting for me.

"We had our first date a few months later, and he asked me to marry him on that first date. I said, "Yes," but that we could not tell my parents for a few months. I was only 18 at the time, and he was 24.

"We were officially engaged in December 1968, and became the 'sweethearts' of the place where we worked. They even put our names up on a sign in front of the building with "Congratulations."

"We were married on June 14, 1969 (Flag Day). Everyone told me I was crazy to rush into this marriage. Everyone asked Bob, 'why he was going to marry such a kid.' We were never worried. It truly was love at first sight.

"We are still in love. We will be married 35 years this June. Each year, we have a red, white and blue anniversary."