Governor's Commission on Marriage
Sept. 29, 1999
The institution of marriage has changed over the years.
Although divorce is on the decline, Americans are less likely to say "I DO" than ever before.
But as News Specialist Ruth Todd explains in today's Family Now report, an effort is underway in Utah to strengthen marriage.
For many people, creating a long-lasting marriage is a puzzle they'll never solve.
But for some Utah couples, the idea that marriage can last a lifetime is not a mystery.
Alta Chipman: "WE'VE HAD A GOOD TIME AND WE MANAGED TO LEARN TO GET ALONG."
Elijah and Alta Chipman have been married for 76 years.
Their secrets to a happy marriage: Time they spend together as a family, and their religion.
Elijah Chipman: "KNOW THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AND LIVE THEM. THAT'S THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE."
Add to that a determination to stick together, and the Chipmans say you'll find marital bliss.
Alta Chipman: "YOU MAKE UP YOUR MIND. I TOOK MY VOWS REAL SERIOUS. I THOUGHT I MEANT WHAT IT SAID TO STAY TOGETHER AND SO WE STUCK IT OUT. WE'VE BEEN A LITTLE BIT FRUSTRATED AT TIMES. BUT NOT ENOUGH TO PULL OUT."
Governor Mike Leavitt recently honored the pair and other couples who've been married for more than 70 years--- as part of the Governor's Commission on Marriage.
Leavitt says he became involved in promoting marriage with his Marriage Commission because of the high cost to government when it steps in to pick up the pieces.
The three goals of the governor's marriage commission are to
decrease divorce,
increase the number of children living in two-parent families, and
improve the quality of marriage relationships.
A relationship like the Chipmans, who say they've had a good life together.
Elijah Chipman: "WE'VE HAD A VERY HAPPY MARRIAGE."
Alta Chipman: "A LONG ONE, I'LL TELL YA, AND WE'VE GOT A BIG POSTERITY THAT WE'RE PROUD OF. AND WE HOPE WE LIVE TO BE A HUNDRED. HOW'S THAT?"
For more information on the Governor's Marriage Commission, call the Family Now information line at 1-800-575-5751.
