Baton Rouge, La. — Louisiana Family Forum (LFF) today recognized the 2007 “Longest-Known Married Louisiana Couple!” The organization introduced Fernand and Emily Cavalier and family on Wednesday, February 14, 2007 at the Louisiana State Capitol. Senator Sharon Broome presented the couple with a commendation from the Louisiana Senate.

“An incredible example to Louisiana couples is found in Fernand and Emily Cavalier,” said Gene Mills, of Louisiana Family Forum. “We are so pleased to honor them and to celebrate their exemplary commitment to the covenant of marriage!” Mills continued, “In the days of “soft commitments,” the Cavaliers’ seventy-six year marriage speaks loudly about the attributes they have built a life upon: compassion, empathy, virtue, faith, and enterprise—an example we can all learn from.” The Cavaliers were married April 20, 1931, and will celebrate their 76th anniversary this April.

Fernand Cavalier, 96, built the family’s first home, cutting the timber himself. His wife, Emily, 90, is mother to ten children, seven of whom are still living. The Cavaliers have two dozen grandchildren, three dozen great grand-children and nine great-great grandchildren!

Mr. Cavalier said that it was their Christian work ethic and powerful commitment to personal faith that strengthened and lengthened their marriage for so many years.

Youngest son, Gary Cavalier, a pastor from Shreveport, Louisiana, remarked that his parents’ marriage has made a lasting impact on him, on his family, and on his church. “One thing I learned from mom and dad is that church and work were not options. Dad taught himself to read and write and run a business. Watching them, I knew that I could do anything.”

LFF first located and honored the “longest married” couple back in 2002, hosting a luncheon for Mr. and Mrs. George and Germaine Briant with Governor Mike Foster. The Briants, married July 20, 1921, remained the longest-known married couple in Louisiana until their passing in January of 2005, only three days apart from each other.

Also today, fifteen additional couples—those with marriages lasting over 70 years—are being awarded “Keeper of the Covenant” Certificates and will be inducted into the Louisiana Family Forum Marriage Hall of Fame.
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Louisiana Family Forum, the “voice for traditional families in Louisiana” is dedicated to preserving faith, family and freedom in Louisiana through research, communication and networking.

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