Returning Hero
In December 1989, just a few weeks after Nadia Comăneci had safely made her journey to the United States, a revolution swept through Romania. As a result, the communist government that had once instilled fear in her was no longer in power. Romania eagerly welcomed her back, and Comăneci was no longer afraid to return. The liberal government that had taken its place offered the Palace of the Parliament as the venue for her wedding with Bart Conner.
The wedding was more than a celebration of love; it marked the triumphant return of a national hero. Approximately 10,000 people attended the wedding in person, while many more watched the ceremony on television. During the event, Comăneci professed her love for the Romanian people and clarified that it was only the oppressive regime she had wished to leave behind.
