Montgomery Civil Rights Icons Celebrate 65 Years of Marriage

A white Montgomery pastor and his wife who stood with civil rights protestors in the 1950’s and 60’s are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary.

Reverend Robert and Mrs. Jeannie Graetz actual anniversary was last month, but they scheduled their celebration at the Messiah Lutheran Church Saturday to coincide with their family reunion.

Some of the Greatz’s children and even some of their great great grandchildren helped mark their 65 years together.

hey survived bombings and criticism from many other white residents of Montgomery 50 years ago. They marched with Dr. King and were neighbors and friends of Rosa Parks.

We asked about their secret to so many years of marriage.

“The first step is get the right person, and the second one is be sure that the Lord is in this relationship,” said Jeannie Graetz.

“Primarily there is one other one and that is forgiveness and I’ve exercised that. I have caused Jeannie to put up with that more,” said Rev. Graetz.