"The law should allow a person to marry anyone he wants."

Mildred Loving died today at the age of 68. Here is a copy of a statement she made on the 40th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia, last June.

A few thoughts on the occasion: first, obviously the freedom to marry is still contested for a lot of people. Second, it's really impressive to me that they stayed married until Richard's death, especially given the incredible pressure they must have dealt with as a mixed-race couple. And third, wow:

Mildred Jeter was 11 when she and 17-year-old Richard began courting.

I confess, I find that startling and hard to swallow.

Guess Mildred and Richard are still challenging our preconceptions from beyond the grave. Good for them.