[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10] [Senate] [Page 14159] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF MARRIAGE Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, it is rare these days to see one couple make it to 65 years of marriage. It is even more rare to see two couples, who are best friends, make it to that rather remarkable milestone at the same time. This weekend in Murdo, SD, Harold and Pat Thune and John and Virginia Parker will both celebrate 65 years of marriage. When Harold Thune and John Parker graduated Murdo High School together in the spring of 1937, neither realized how entwined their lives would become over time. After high school graduation John moved to California. Harold went on to become a basketball star at the University of Minnesota and then a fighter pilot during World War II. Harold returned to Murdo with his young wife Patricia when the war ended to take over the family business at the request of his father who was in poor health. It was the summer of 1951 when John returned to Murdo with his wife Virginia and reconnected with his high school classmate, who by this time had three young children. In the intervening years since high school, John had found real purpose in his life through his Christian faith. Anxious to share that faith with his high school friend, he began a small Bible study in that summer of 1951. Through that Bible study, first Pat, then Harold made a profession of faith that has served as their life's foundation to this day. They would be the first to tell you that it is hard to imagine them celebrating this blessed occasion absent that life-changing experience. We honor both couples on this occasion of 65 years of marriage, for staying true to their God, to each other, and to their families. Their example of steadfast commitment and devotion is a powerful witness and inspiration to those who have come after about what a Christian marriage should be. Congratulations to the Parkers and the Thunes on this milestone 65th wedding anniversary. ____________________