RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7 THROUGH FEBRUARY 14, 2001 AS "MARRIAGE AWARENESS WEEK".

WHEREAS, the individual commitment that one makes to another when pledging to join together in marriage is the highest commitment one can make to another, requiring heightened selflessness and deep understanding; and

WHEREAS, a marriage is simultaneously the source of life's greatest rewards and most difficult challenges; and

WHEREAS, in an increasingly hectic and chaotic world, in which demands on one's time are increasing, interruptions are seemingly more frequent and privacy and quiet time are harder to find, it can be difficult for married couples to find the time necessary to ensure that their marriage remains as strong as it was on the day it began; and

WHEREAS, marriages can be strengthened in a variety of ways, ranging from relatively simple individual efforts to more formal counseling;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the week of February 7 through February 14, 2001 be recognized as "Marriage Awareness Week"; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that married couples across New Mexico be urged to celebrate their marriage during that week and renew their commitments to each other; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that civic, community and religious groups be encouraged to acknowledge Marriage Awareness Week and to celebrate the week with appropriate activities.