Couples say 'I Do' on Long Island after more than 50 years of marriage

PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK -- Port Washington held a special wedding vow renewal on Friday for couples who have been married for more than 50 years in honor of Valentine's Day.

"This is a way of saying thank you to them and having the opportunity for them to renew their vows," North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said. "And so we can really see by their example what love, patience, understanding and commitment looks like."

These couples know how love is done and what keeps a marriage going, through the good and the bad.

It's not easy staying together for decades, and the Henegans have been married 59 years and say the secret to marriage is not going to bed angry.

"You know, we had our ups and down," Carol Henegan said. "You know, sometimes you wonder how you're going to pay your next bill."

The Covenys have 54 years under their belt, and they shared their best advice.

"Respect one another as a partner, not just as another person in the house," Walter Coveny said.

The Covenys and the Henegans are great for advice, but they're both are newlyweds compared to the Shifmans. They've been through a lot in their 73 years of marriage, from babies to business to war, but they always made it work.

"We take care of each other," Ruth Shifman said. "That's what we do."