Marilyn and Charlie Ackerman of Fleetwood, Berks County, marked their 50th anniversary Sept. 17.

This special love started in ninth grade at Emmaus High School, from which they both graduated in 1966.

After Charlie enlisted time in the Army, which included a tour in Vietnam and Cambodia, he began to further his education using the GI Bill.

He spent most of his life working two careers: more than 30 years at Air Products and Chemicals, while operating Ackerman Electric as a residential electrician.

Marilyn’s most important work was being a mother and homemaker. As the children grew older, she worked for 15 years as the circulation manager for East Penn Publishing and completed her work life at The Lutheran Home at Topton as the receptionist-switchboard operator. Deteriorating health forced her to retire early.

They are the proud parents of a son and daughter.

James, a 1988 graduate of Emmaus High School, is the director of bands at Pequea Valley High School, Lancaster County. He is married to Jennifer, who brought two wonderful children (now grown up) to their home and marriage.

Janelle Ackerman, a 1991 graduate of Emmaus High School, is married to Clyde and resides in Lancaster County. She works at a 55-plus continued living facility in Honey Brook, Chester County.

A family celebration was held, and the two will continue celebrating by snowbirding in the Phoenix, Ariz., area.

Where did the years go? It’s truly been “A Wonderful Life.”