On Thursday, February 14, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and his wife, Jamie Snow-Markowitz, welcomed hundreds of Brooklyn couples married 50 years or more to the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge to celebrate Valentine’s Day in style and to renew their wedding vows.

Among the “newlywed” couples were Lt. Col. John Mulzac and wife Beatrice, married for 62 years. Lt. Col. Mulzac is a surviving member of the legendary black aviators, the Tuskegee Airmen, and served with the New York City Fire Department at a time when few African-Americans were members. Last year, Lt. Col. Mulzac and other Tuskegee Airmen were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Bush. The Mulzacs have eight children, 22 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Also celebrating were Yevgeniy and Lyubov Kissin (married 67 years) and Jean and Cristiebell Gombs (64 years)

Borough President Markowitz honored the devotion of all of these Brooklyn sweethearts with a champagne toast, love ballads from their youth, dancing, wedding cake and sugar-free treats. Entertainment was provided by the Barry Bloom Dream Band, Larry Spivack Musical Director. I.S. 281 Joseph B. Cavallaro School students received a citation from BP Markowitz for their continued volunteer service at this annual event.

This year’s Valentine’s Day party was the fifth hosted by BP Markowitz, who was struck by Cupid’s arrow in the summer of 1999, when he encountered his sweetheart Jamie on a beach in Brooklyn. They were married at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that November.

Sponsors were the Marriott New York at the Brooklyn Bridge; Dr. Richard Merkin and HealthCare Partners IPA; healthfirst; HIP-GHI; and Preferred Medical Partners. Beverages were provided by Southern Wine and Spirits and Royal Wine Corporation.