The story of Danny and Annie Perasa — how they met, and how they’ve
stayed in love — inspires many who hear it. Their joy in life, and in
one another, was celebrated recently in New York, where a crowd
gathered to honor Danny and Annie.

The Perasas are a
memorable couple. In person, they come off like a pair of favorite
grandparents, with thoughtful wisecracks and stories that take
unpredictable turns. They say their affinity for one another was always
obvious — Danny proposed marriage on their first date.

When
the Perasas launch into a story, their joy in telling it is obvious.
Married since 1978, they have a sweetness about them that makes
everyday items — like notes left around the house — seem exciting. On
the radio and in person, Annie and Danny’s infectious enthusiasm draws
listeners in, making them strain to hear what the couple have to say.

Their
enthusiasm has now been honored in a tangible way. The StoryCorps oral
history project has dedicated its booth in Grand Central Terminal to
the Perasas. On Friday, Feb. 10, a plaque was unveiled that dedicated
the booth to the Perasas.

The plaque reads: "This booth
is dedicated to Danny and Annie Perasa, who recorded their story here
on January 6, 2004. Their humor, heart, eloquence and love will never
be forgotten."

The couple made the trip to the ceremony
despite Danny’s illness: Suffering from pancreatic cancer, he is
currently in hospice care. Their visit was a treat for those present,
as the Perasas revisited the conversation they had that day in 2004,
and the life they’ve shared since 1978.

In addition to
its New York booths, StoryCorps is traveling the country to give people
the chance to discuss their lives and preserve stories for future
generations. Each interview is archived at the Library of Congress. And
excerpts are aired Fridays on Morning Edition.