We are gathered here today in Victory Lane of the Daytona International Speedway to witness the renewing of wedding vows for Bettie and Marvin Panch as part of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. The symbolism of this site reflects everything that has made their marriage a success for 50 great years … Through hard work, sweat and tears and emotional ups and downs - success is inevitable - whether it's the last lap of the 1961 Daytona 500 or a marriage that has endured 50 years.

Bettie and Marvin have asked me to thank you all, their family and closest friends for sharing in this joyous occasion and for ensuring that it will be a celebration that they will always remember…

A marriage that is based on real love is something beyond just the warmth and glow or the excitement and romance of two people infatuated with each other. It is about carrying more for the welfare and happiness of your spouse than your own. But then again, real love is not being totally absorbed in each other. Rather it is looking outward in the same direction, together sharing the same visions and dreams. Love should make burdens lighter because you divide them, joys more intense because you share them. Real love makes you stronger so that each of you can reach out and embrace life in a way that alone - you would not risk.

50 years ago on this date, Bettie and Marvin pledged such a commitment to each other. They have experienced a lot together - laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, victories and tragedies, successes and setbacks. These are the foundations of life itself. But through the trials and tribulations of their marriage, real love remained a priority every step of the way. So today, it is fitting that they renew their vows and pledge their everlasting love and devotion to each other.

--Reading-(I Corinthians 13: 4-7,13*)

Love is patient and kind.
Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
Love does not demand it's own way.
Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged.
It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.
Love never gives up, never losses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance…

There are three things that will endure - faith, hope and love - and the greatest of these is love.

I am bound to remind you both, Bettie and Marvin, in the presence of the assembled witnesses, of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship in which you are about to enter. Marriage is the union of a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Marvin, will you take Bettie to be your lawful wedded wife, do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, forsaking all others, keep only unto her, in sickness and in health so long as you both shall live?

<Marvin> I do

Bettie, will you take Marvin to be your lawful wedded husband, do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, forsaking all others, keep only unto him, in sickness and in health so long as you both shall live?

<Bettie> I do

Bettie, to signify your 50 years together as well as your commitment to each other, Marvin would like to present you with this anniversary ring. You will notice that this ring contains three diamonds. The first diamond should always remind you to cherish the past 50 years, the second symbolizes your life and love in the present and the third diamond is a reminder to embrace your future together.

Marvin, Please place the ring on Bettie's finger. (Dad pulled out a box of cracker jacks, but then had to hunt for the ring inside!!!)

Bettie and Marvin, you have given your consent and have declared your marriage in front of these assembled witnessed. By the power invested in me by the state of Florida, I now proclaim that you are husband and wife.

Marvin, You may now kiss your bride!

Let us pray …. Prayer

Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Bettie and Marvin Panch