High school sweethearts reunite at ND game

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Updated: 12:08 AM Nov 8, 2009 High school sweethearts reunite at ND game Naval officer trained at ND comes back to campus to re-take picture with old high school girlfriend and recreate memory. Posted: 9:11 PM Nov 7, 2009 Reporter: Stephanie Stang Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com

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Ever wonder why Notre Dame plays Navy ever year?

It goes back to World War II when Navy practically saved Notre Dame during a low enrollment period and started training naval officers at the school.

This weekend one man was back on campus who was part of that history. He was reuniting with his high school sweetheart after they were separated by the war.

Suzanne Rohman and Dr. Bob McKinnell are back together after nearly 70 years.

Back in 1942 Dr. McKinnell came to Notre Dame to train as an officer in the navy during World War II.

His high school sweetheart, Suzanne Rohman, would visit him on campus.

Saturday they re-took a picture in the same place on campus, re-creating a picture from the 1940's taken at a time when they were dating.

“I didn't think I would ever see Bob again,” says Rohman.

They went their separate ways when Dr. McKinnell fought in the war.

Recently both of their spouses passed away and now these high school sweethearts are back together thanks to a mutual friend.

“We grew up with her. She had that picture. I have no idea why she had that picture. But she looked at it and said why don't they get together.. and so .. we did!” explains Dr. McKinnell.

The couple used to keep in touch by writing letters everyday back in the ‘40s. Now they email everyday.

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