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Berwyn, IL —
When George and Maryrose Liska were newlyweds in 1942, they had no idea they'd be together 70 years.
They had bigger concerns.
Just a month into their fledgling marriage, George was drafted into the armed forces. He would fight in five battles in Europe during his three years abroad. Complicating matters, Maryrose was pregnant.
"We still can't believe we lived this long," said Maryrose, now 90. "We were together before televisions."
Today, the couple could be seen happily celebrating an early Valentine's Day at Sokol Tabor in Berwyn.
Over the last 25 years, Walgreens has sponsored a yearly event that brings together couples who have been married 50 years or longer.
The annual event includes giveaways of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, free coffee and cupcakes and free photos for each couple.
There was even an accordion player who sang torch songs and led the group in a rollicking geriatric ho-down to “The Funky Chicken.”
Although the event has seen its numbers dwindle from 150 couples in its first year to about 25 couples this year, the Berwyn event has outlasted three similar events Walgreens sponsored in other cities, said Doris Lubien, who’s organized the event since its inception in 1988.
It’s become an annual tradition for some area couples who've stayed married into their 90s, such as Violet and John Trappina of North Riverside.
They'll celebrate their 75th anniversary in June, and were the longest-married couple at the event.
They said they've been coming to the event for about 10 years now.
In a modern world with a rampant divorce rate, the Trappinas offered a simple model for marital longevity.
"We're just very compatible," said Violet. "Young people argue too much. You have to forgive sometimes."
For the Liskas, getting through their first three years of marriage while George was in constant peril overseas has made the rest of their marriage comparatively easy.
Maryrose said George’s homecoming outweighs any wedding anniversary they’ve ever celebrated.
The discipline that George learned also helped him find his secret to staying together.
"’Yes, dear. It won't happen again. It's all my fault,’" said George with a wry smile when asked what has helped him stay married for so long.
Despite George’s sarcastic resignation, the couple still radiates a palpable affection.
“Also, we never go to bed without kissing goodnight,” George added.
When George and Maryrose Liska were newlyweds in 1942, they had no idea they'd be together 70 years.
They had bigger concerns.
Just a month into their fledgling marriage, George was drafted into the armed forces. He would fight in five battles in Europe during his three years abroad. Complicating matters, Maryrose was pregnant.
"We still can't believe we lived this long," said Maryrose, now 90. "We were together before televisions."
Today, the couple could be seen happily celebrating an early Valentine's Day at Sokol Tabor in Berwyn.
Over the last 25 years, Walgreens has sponsored a yearly event that brings together couples who have been married 50 years or longer.
The annual event includes giveaways of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, free coffee and cupcakes and free photos for each couple.
There was even an accordion player who sang torch songs and led the group in a rollicking geriatric ho-down to “The Funky Chicken.”
Although the event has seen its numbers dwindle from 150 couples in its first year to about 25 couples this year, the Berwyn event has outlasted three similar events Walgreens sponsored in other cities, said Doris Lubien, who’s organized the event since its inception in 1988.
It’s become an annual tradition for some area couples who've stayed married into their 90s, such as Violet and John Trappina of North Riverside.
They'll celebrate their 75th anniversary in June, and were the longest-married couple at the event.
They said they've been coming to the event for about 10 years now.
In a modern world with a rampant divorce rate, the Trappinas offered a simple model for marital longevity.
"We're just very compatible," said Violet. "Young people argue too much. You have to forgive sometimes."
For the Liskas, getting through their first three years of marriage while George was in constant peril overseas has made the rest of their marriage comparatively easy.
Maryrose said George’s homecoming outweighs any wedding anniversary they’ve ever celebrated.
The discipline that George learned also helped him find his secret to staying together.
"’Yes, dear. It won't happen again. It's all my fault,’" said George with a wry smile when asked what has helped him stay married for so long.
Despite George’s sarcastic resignation, the couple still radiates a palpable affection.
“Also, we never go to bed without kissing goodnight,” George added.
