A local couple that fled persecution in Europe more than eight decades ago has celebrated 72 years of marriage.
Cornubia’s John and Leni Endor said the secret to their long and happy marriage was “mutual respect and shared hope”.
The couple celebrated the day in style, with friends and family.
But the highlight for the Endors was a surprise presentation held at the end of the day.
Before their anniversary, the management team at the over 50s retirement village where the Endors live let the government know of their achievement.
In response, John and Leni received a series of unexpected congratulatory messages from high-ranking officials, including a personal note from King Charles III.
“We were completely taken by surprise,” John said.
“We did not feel that we had achieved anything special.
“It was such a shock to receive so many messages of congratulations from distinguished officials.”
John said he and his wife could not fathom the effort it took to contact the right offices and “convince them our celebration was noteworthy”.
“And to hear from His Majesty the King that ‘there are not many who have achieved such a milestone’ was profoundly moving.”
The day’s celebrations of love were so heartwarming that those in attendance were left overwhelmed with emotion.
“I still think it was just a dream,” one of the Endors’ neighbours said.
“The presentation was such an emotional treat – I wondered if my heart was strong enough to take it all in.”
John said he was grateful to the management team for their efforts in making the day so memorable.
“I can’t get my head around the fact that the team brought this all together,” he said.
“It’s unbelievable… I still think I will wake up from this dream.”
John and Leni have lived far from easy lives.
They arrived in Australia as war refugees fleeing persecution during World War 2.
“We were nobodies,” John said.
“But Australia took us in, and we found refuge and the opportunity to rebuild our lives.”
