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Photography
The photograph Cythina Collins keeps on her desk at work has always attracted the attention of people who pass by.
Inside the frame is a picture taken just weeks after her parent’s wedding in 1944. Smiling and embracing in their military uniforms, Richard and Maria Collins’ happiness beams through the black and white photo taken atop a New York City rooftop.
That same love and warmth captured 69 years ago radiates from the Aurora couple as they hold hands and share their story today.
“We’ve just enjoyed life. We’ve had a wonderful time,” Maria Collins said.
Met in WWII and married for 69 years. (Credit: 9NEWS)
The couple met each other in El Paso, Texas during a lunch at a hotel bar. Maria, an Navy intelligence officer, waited for a seat to open at one of the tables. She ended up sitting next to Richard, an Army officer, who ordered another helping of apple pie in order to keep his seat.
They married a month later, but soon parted to return to their respective service.
“It was difficult to be apart, but we had our jobs to do,” Maria said. “We wrote letters to each other every day.”
Read the rest of the story at 9NEWS.com.
