Some love affairs end prematurely, leaving both parties wondering what if. KT Robbins, a US Army soldier stationed in Briey, France, met and fell in love with a local French girl named Jeannine Ganaye in 1944. Their love blazed brightly, but just two months later, KT’s regiment was summoned to the eastern front. Jeannine and KT were both upset by their abrupt separation, and with the uncertainty of war, they both worried they’d never see each other again.”
Of course, I cried when he left in the truck,” Jeannine recalled. KT went on to battle at D-Day, and after the war, he was returned to the United States to resume his life. Despite the fact that Jeannine and KT moved on in their lives, met new people, and started children of their own, they never lost the love they felt for one another all those years ago. KT kept Jeannine’s picture with him for the rest of his life, warmly remembering the love he’d been forced to give up as a young man.
When KT was requested to return to France for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, he brought the photo of Jeannine he’d treasured for over seventy-five years and presented it to the media covering the memorial celebrations. He informed them that he was certain she had died, but that if they could put him in touch with her family, he could tell them how much she meant to him.
Amazingly, the journalists were able to locate Jeannine. She wasn’t even dead! Even more amazing, Jeannine had never forgotten about KT.KT promptly made plans to pay Jeannine a visit to her retirement home. The moment they saw each other, they both lunged out to grab “the one that got away.” Everyone in the room was moved to tears by their reunion, and it’s nearly difficult to view the film without experiencing the depth of wistful sorrow that surrounds this couple of star-crossed lovers.
“I’ve always admired you. “You’ll never leave my heart,” KT told Jeannine. Jeannine, who knows only a little English, laughed as she told the reporters, “He said he loves me.” That much I understood.” “I always thought of him, thinking maybe he’ll come,” Jeannine said, explaining why KT had never returned for her all those years earlier. I was always curious. Always.” However, the reason was simple: KT had a life and obligations back in America, and as time passed, he met and married another woman and simply went on.
Jeannine later married and had five children of her own, but her first love was never forgotten. They parted ways again after a few sorrowful hours, this time as friends vowing never to lose touch again. It was love that gave them hope during one of history’s most chaotic and horrific moments. Watch the video below to discover more about Jeannine and KT’s enduring love story, and please share it with others to remind them that true love never dies.