LEBANON - The bride wore red and purple and the groom wore a tux with tails as Dale and Mary Blanshan observed their 40th anniversary Saturday.

The couple's four decades of marriage was only part of the celebration, as this day almost didn't happen.

Just 15 months ago, while setting up at a funeral as a member of an American Legion Honor Guard, Dale dropped dead.

"His heart stopped; he had a cardiac arrest," his wife said.

Larry Williams, a 28-year veteran of the Brownsville Fire Department and also in the Honor Guard, was one of several people who administered CPR. EMTs eventually arrived at the cemetery and Dale was whisked to the hospital.

Dale suffered no permanent brain damage and is now in good health. He has even returned to participating in funerals for the Honor Guard.

Some of the men who were there when Dale's heart stopped gave him and his wife a 21-gun salute at the vow-renewal ceremony.

Mary was supported by her friends from the Red Hat Society, who she says helped her through the terrifying event and her husband's bypass surgery that followed.

"Everyone knew what happened," she said. "Prayers were all over."

About 100 people came Saturday to wish the couple well. The family yard was elaborately decorated in shades of purple and red sequins and chandeliers. Mary's original wedding dress was displayed, as were newspaper clips from their wedding.

Mary and Dale met on a blind date.

"I didn't even like him!" Mary said. But Dale was persistent.

"I didn't even know he was going to marry me until he gave me the ring," she laughed.

Mary is glad she said yes, even 40 years later.

"Young love doesn't even compare to mature love," she said.

At the end of the ceremony Saturday, Dale turned to the crowd. "I am really glad I get to share this with you," he said. "I just about didn't."

The couple planned to leave in the black 1966 Dodge Charger they rode away in after original nuptials on July 13, 1968.

"We're heading down to the American Legion to go dancing!" Mary said.