Martine and Gérard Decock, aged 70 and 72 respectively, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, 50 years of marriage, on Sunday, November 10, by celebrating a thanksgiving mass at the abbey church, in the presence of their family and friends.
For the occasion, their son, Arnaud, accompanied the ceremony on the magnificent organ located above the main entrance.
Originally from the North, the couple married on November 9, 1974 in Feignies. Four children, Grégory (47 years old), Pascale and Laurence (45 years old) and Arnaud (30 years old) and seven grandchildren have joined the couple who now live in Ceffonds.
Martine trained as a nurse but ultimately chose to be a stay-at-home mother. As for Gérard, he is a career soldier and finished with the rank of colonel. He is a knight of the Legion of Honor, an officer of the National Order of Merit and decorated with the Cross of the Theaters of External Operations with a vermilion star. He was stationed in Germany then returned to live in Mourmelon (Marne), occupying various positions in the region. Now retired, Gérard is a deacon in the Sainte-Thérèse-de-l'enfant-Jésus parish, accompanying masses on the organ or guitar. It celebrates weddings, baptisms and funerals.
With Alain Porrot, Gérard Decock is at the origin of the rebirth of the Musique à l'abbatial association; he is vice-president while Martine is treasurer.
After mass, Martine and Gérard offered a friendly drink.
Family and close friends from Mourmelon and Montier-en-Der all then met at Entrelac, in Louze, to share a festive meal.
