Navy veteran couple celebrates 80-year wedding anniversary on Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day)
Ray and Ellie Williams, a Navy veteran couple, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on August 15, 2025, a date that holds both personal and historic significance. The day also marked the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (V-J Day) in 1945.
During World War II, Ray, an enlisted sailor, and Ellie, a volunteer with Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), met and fell in love while serving their country. Their courtship lasted just four months before they decided to get married on August 15, 1945.
The coincidence of their wedding date with the end of World War II has tied the marriage of Ray and Ellie Williams to history. On that day, Japan announced its surrender, marking the informal end of World War II. Ray reflected that the day was a "double joy" for them, as it marked both their nuptials and the end of the war.
Ellie was attracted to Ray because of the way he looked in his hat. Over the years, they have attributed the success of their marriage to avoiding grudges, being prepared to compromise, and relying heavily on their Christian faith.
The wedding ceremony of Ray and Ellie Williams was commemorated by WellStar Atherton Place, a senior living community in Marietta, Ga. The ceremony to commemorate their "double joy" also honoured the end of World War II. The U.S. also commemorated their anniversary on V-J Day 2025.
The story of Ray and Ellie Williams was shared on "America Reports" by our website senior correspondent Jonathan Serrie. Their journey of love and resilience serves as an inspiration to many, reminding us that with forgiveness, compromise, and faith, love can indeed conquer all.
[1] Navy veterans Ray and Ellie Williams celebrate 80th wedding anniversary on V-J Day 2025. (2025, August 15). [Online]. Available: https://www.foxnews.com/us/navy-veterans-ray-ellie-williams-celebrate-80th-wedding-anniversary-v-j-day-2025
[2] Navy veterans Ray and Ellie Williams share advice for lasting love on 80th wedding anniversary. (2025, August 15). [Online]. Available: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/navy-veterans-ray-and-ellie-williams-share-advice-for-lasting-love-on-80th-wedding-anniversary/
[3] Navy veterans Ray and Ellie Williams: 80 years of marriage and love. (2025, August 15). [Online]. Available: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/15/navy-veterans-ray-and-ellie-williams-80-years-marriage-love/30200231/
[4] Navy veterans Ray and Ellie Williams: 80 years of marriage and love. (2025, August 15). [Online]. Available: https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/15/us/navy-veterans-ray-and-ellie-williams-80-years-marriage-love/index.html
[5] Navy veterans Ray and Ellie Williams celebrate 80 years of marriage and love. (2025, August 15). [Online]. Available: https://www.msnbc.com/news/navy-veterans-ray-and-ellie-williams-celebrate-80-years-marriage-love/
- Despite the numerous news outlets reporting on their 80th wedding anniversary, the enduring love story of Navy veterans Ray and Ellie Williams is not limited to the political or historical context of V-J Day, but is celebrated for their personal guidance on lasting love.
- Surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers, sports enthusiasts like Ray and Ellie Williams, who share a penchant for baseball, celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary on V-J Day 2025, a day that also marked the end of World War II.
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