WESTERVILLE — Retired Army Lt. Col. Joseph A. Dittmar and his wife, Patricia (Schmitt) Dittmar, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on Friday.

The couple was married on Dec. 5, 1970, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Mingo Junction.

The Dittmars were named the Herald-Star Bride and Groom of 1970.

The couple, who currently resides in Westerville, is celebrating their anniversary by taking a trip through the Panama Canal.

The Dittmars have three children: Leslie Heilman of Galena; Joseph Dittmar Jr. of Galena; and Philip Dittmar of Ellicott City, Md.

They are the grandparents of eight grandchildren.