Couples in Netherlands celebrate diamond wedding anniversaries

Two couples in the Netherlands are celebrating 60 years of marriage.

In Scheemda, Walther and Rika Schoofs-de Vries were visited by acting mayor Tim van Bostelen on behalf of the Oldambt municipality. Walther, originally from Germany, spent much of his career in shipbuilding, while Rika worked in catering. The couple, who have three sons and six grandchildren, enjoy camping along the Moselle.

In Veendam, Jan and Nel Pankras were congratulated by acting mayor Henk Jan Schmaal on their diamond anniversary. Jan previously worked in administration for the Dutch government, while Nel held roles in banking and child protection. The couple, who moved to Veendam in late 2023, attribute their long marriage to staying calm through life's challenges.