NEWS

Every day, the Savannah Visitor Information Centers welcome guests whose stories enrich our city—but every so often, a moment shines a little brighter. That’s why Director of Visitor Information Centers Kelli Lee and her team love celebrating special visitor experiences like the remarkable reunion of Linda Ball and Tony Petruzzi, a love story more than five decades in the making.

Linda and Tony first met in 1968 as teenagers living in Stuttgart, Germany, where a daily walk to the school bus stop sparked a deep friendship. Their bond blossomed at a New Year’s Eve Ball during Tony’s first winter break from West Point, but life soon pulled them in different directions. For more than 50 years, they lived fulfilling separate lives, raising families and building careers in South Carolina and Texas.

Then, in early 2025, fate intervened. Linda spotted a car with a “West Point Class of ’73” tag and, on a whim, left a note. Weeks later, the voice on the phone was unmistakable—it was Tony. After months of reconnecting, the two reunited at one of Tony’s Academy mini-reunions before deciding to meet again in Savannah this past October.

During their visit, after a trolley tour and stroll through downtown, Linda and Tony walked hand-in-hand into the Savannah Visitor Information Center—where their warmth immediately caught the attention of the staff. Kelli and her team, who take pride in making every visit special, are always eager to share heartfelt stories like theirs with our hospitality partners.

Their journey is a beautiful reminder that some connections are meant to last a lifetime—and Savannah is honored to be part of their new chapter.