Americans Richard and Trudie Suabedissen.

The New Jersey couple celebrated 50 years together and two decades of visiting the Island on Boxing Day.

And they stand as a shining example of wedded bliss to many others, including their own sons, who have both been married twice.

"It was so great the first time, we had to come back to prove it again. We haven't found another place we want to go,'' said Mrs. Suabedissen.

They have never been to the Island at any time other than Christmas, but said they might like to take in the Bermuda Festival on future trips.

The Suabedissens noted that both their sons were happy in their second marriages, adding: "We're very tolerant and understanding.'' Mr. Suabedissen said that "trial marriages'' weren't seen in his day, but both he and his wife accepted it, thinking it was "probably a good idea.'' Both stressed they had never considered divorce.

"We never gave it a thought. I don't even know of any of our friends (who have).'' "I do think mores have changed a lot,'' added Mrs. Suabedissen.

"Economically, in those days, you stayed together.'' Both have been retired for 10 years now. Mr. Suabedissen was an engineer, while his wife had been teaching ballet since she was 15-years-old.

She taught her future husband's parents before she met him.

"They approved of me,'' she laughed. "They didn't like any of his other girlfriends.'' After a "quick romance'' of less than a year, they were married on Boxing Day, 1943.

"It was the one day he had off,'' Mrs. Suabedissen said. "It wasn't an elaborate wedding, but there was a church.'' The couple said they have been staying for 10 years at the Belmont Hotel for the golf and the dinner dancing -- which has been cut from the programme this year.

Mrs. Suabedissen said: "Bermuda has retained more tradition than other places. That's why we come back. We're creatures of habit -- that's why we're 50 years together.'' 50 YEARS AND COUNTING -- Regular return visitors Mr. and Mrs. Suabedissen celebrated their 50th anniversary on Boxing Day.