It was to be an opportunity for Israel Karmel to allow his new wife Brenda a peek inside British government at work.
A routine trip, planned well in advance to show his Canadian sweetheart a session of his country's Parliament, was going to cap off the couple's honeymoon.
But what Karmel didn't prepare for was Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945 - the very day he was scheduled to attend a meeting of British Parliament.
The couple, who now reside in Squamish, met during World War II. She was a Canadian in England working for the air force and Karmel joked that he became a war bride.
"We got married on May 1, 1945," he said. "And I told my local Member of Parliament that since my wife was from Canada that I would like to take her to a British Parliamentary meeting."
Karmel sent a letter to his MP requesting entry to the English House of Commons on May 8 and he received entry tickets in the mail shortly after tying the knot.
The couple exchanged their vows and then headed south of London to begin their honeymoon. When they returned, they were surprised to hear that Germany had surrendered.
The streets of London were full of people celebrating the end of the war in Europe and May 8, 1945 was marked as Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
"The roads were crowded with people," he said. "The police weren't letting people cross and we wanted to reach the Parliament buildings, but I showed the officer our passes and we were escorted into the session."
Although never intended, what occurred thereafter was historical. Brenda Karmel became the only Canadian citizen to attend British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's speech to Parliament following the German troops' unconditional surrender in World War II.
The Karmels were among the few to witness one of Churchill's finest moments.
"We may allow ourselves a brief period of rejoicing; but let us not forget for a moment the toil and efforts that lie ahead," said Churchill.
"Japan, with all her treachery and greed, remains un-subdued. The injury she has inflicted on Great Britain, the United States, and other countries, and her detestable cruelties, call for justice and retribution.
"We must now devote all our strength and resources to the completion of our task, both at home and abroad. Advance, Britannia! Long live the cause of freedom! God save the King!"
The Karmels were forced to separate following the conclusion of the war as Brenda returned back to Canada on a troop ship. Israel soon followed and made a life for himself in Canada.
The couple went on to have six children and later settled in Squamish where they reside today.
But they will never forget their memorable visit to British Parliament and the end of World War II in Europe.
