Victor (99) and Julia (98) celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary: ​​the first in their native community of Puurs-Sint-Amands

Usually, wedding anniversaries after 50 are celebrated in CC Binder. Victor and Julia were an exception. They were allowed to renew their vows in the brand new town hall in Puurs-Sint-Amands. “Victor is really looking forward to admiring this building,” says daughter-in-law Christine Leys.

In 1999, Mayor Koen Van den Heuvel (CD&V – Team Koen), who had just taken office as mayor, hosted Victor and Julia for their 50th wedding anniversary. “This 75th wedding anniversary is unique for our community. What a wonderful number.” Hopefully, the mayor will be able to host the two again soon and achieve another amazing number. “Victor will be 100 in six months and Julia in two years. For a couple to reach this age together would be another record for Puurs-Sint-Amands.”

Always wear makeup

When they ask him what the secret is behind his long marriage to Julia, Victor has a ready answer. “From time to time, you argue, and that’s normal. But you always have to make amends,” he says. They have been living together for two years at the St. Peter’s residential care center in Puurs-Sint-Amands, where they try to enjoy each other every day. On Fridays, family and friends gathered there for snacks and drinks. “At our age, there aren’t many dreams left. Julia has mild dementia, so there’s not much we can do together anymore. When the day comes, we just let it be.”

Julia worked in a shop and later became a housewife. Victor made his living as a house painter, but he also had experience as a ship captain. The cleanest “One time in my life was as a captain in the Congo,” he said. “I was a captain for 10 years. It was hard work. Eight hours on, eight hours off, 18 days straight, and that was a journey. That was a time when you could do your thing very independently and you could make a lot of money doing it.”