A Connecticut couple married for 80 years were honored as the winners of the 2013 Longest Married Couple Project, which is based on nominations.

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Worldwide Marriage Encounter, the Christian organization behind the project, said John and Ann Betar of Fairfield have the longest marriage of any of the couples nominated by friends and family members.

The Betars said they married Nov. 25, 1932, to prevent Ann Betar from having to marry a different man chosen by her father.

"Some people said it would never last. We showed them," John Betar said.

"It is truly an honor and a privilege to recognize John and Ann Betar for their commitment to marriage," said Ron and Judy Pekny, the United States Ecclesial Team for WWME. "We are looking forward to personally recognizing them on Feb. 9 in their hometown of Fairfield."