Proclamation

WHEREAS, lifelong marriages to the same partner are becoming increasingly rare,
despite the known positive benefits of marriage and the known negative consequences of divorce;

WHEREAS, the divorce rate in Oklahoma remains among the highest in the
nation and impacts our state economically, emotionally and spiritually;

WHEREAS, Oklahoma has launched the nation’s first statewide multi-sector
approach, known as the Oklahoma Marriage Initiative, dedicated to strengthening marriages and families;

WHEREAS, citizens can be taught skills essential to establishing and maintaining healthy relationships;

WHEREAS, marriage is an important and valued component of strong families
and communities across the Great State of Oklahoma;

WHEREAS, the week of Valentine’s Day is a time for couples to pay a little more
attention to their relationship; and

WHEREAS, marriage is worthy of support by all members of society for its ability
to provide a foundation for raising children;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Brad Henry, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby
proclaim February 7-14 as Marriage Week in the State of Oklahoma.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal
of the State of Oklahoma to be affixed.


Done at the Capitol, in the City of Oklahoma
City, this 1st day of February in the
Year of Our Lord two thousand five, and of the State of
Oklahoma in the ninety-eighth year.

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