JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A couple from Colorado, and their family from all over, came to Jacksonville on Friday to celebrate a big milestone on the USS Orleck.
Rick and Patti Butler celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, also known as the golden anniversary, to mark half a century of a loving, committed relationship.
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The two renewed their vows during a beautiful and emotional ceremony on the USS Orleck, the ship that was once a WWII-era Gearing Class destroyer, which Rick Butler served aboard during the Vietnam War.
The day was made possible after the ship was remodeled into a Naval Museum and docked in Jacksonville earlier this year. The USS Orleck has been docked on the Northbank since the end of March, and visitors can now experience what life was like on board.
Rick and Patti said “I Do” in 1972. News4JAX asked what the secret to a happy and healthy marriage was.
“Saying yes,” Rick said. “All the time,” Patti joked.
The couple laughed and Rick said the real secret is just loving each other.
“You have to trust one other and be able to fight -- that’s important -- and makeup after you fight,” Patti added.
The couple said it is important to honor each other, be considerate and not take each other for granted.
Rick said having this celebration on the ship he spent three years and eight months on meant everything.
“Most of the time was spent in Vietnam,” Rick said. “We were over there for about 30 months off and on.”
The couple expressed the importance of the USS Orleck Naval Museum -- noting the importance of being able to share the ship’s history.
Click here to read more about Jacksonville’s floating Naval Museum.