The Peknys pointed out that the project is based on nominations received from October 15th the previous year to January 10th of the current year. “We realize there could be couples married longer, but we did not receive their nominations from friends or family during the nominating period,” they said.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter created the project to highlight marriage in America and to show young couples that marriage really can go the distance. “What an inspiration Mr. & Mrs. Betar are to all of us. They made a commitment to each other 80 plus years ago and they have kept that commitment over these many years. They truly are a sign of hope to us all,” the Peknys said.
The national winners have five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. The presentation of gifts and acknowledgments to the Betars will be made on Feb. 9th at their granddaughter’s home in Fairfield.
State winners from across the country will be presented certificates of achievement and other recognitions by Worldwide Marriage Encounter couples during Valentine’s week.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter has been offering weekend experiences for over 44 years and is considered the original faith-based marriage enrichment program. The programs are continually updated to keep abreast of changes in society, and WWME now offers evening and half-day programs that are presented at parishes and other church facilities. The weekend program, traditionally presented as an overnight experience at a hotel or retreat center, can also be presented at facilities where the couples return to their homes in the evenings. WWME has a presence in almost 100 countries, which makes it the largest pro-marriage movement in the world. In North America, the WWME programs are presented in English, Spanish, French, and Korean languages.
Longest Married Couple Project Winners Announced was originally published on elev8.com
