DULUTH-- Jim and Mary Burke of Atlanta were honored as the couple of the year at the World Marriage Day Valentine Ball which was held Feb. 7 at the Gwinnett Place Marriott.

World Marriage Day began in 1981 when a group of couples in Baton Rouge encouraged their mayor, bishop and governor to proclaim St. Valentine's Day as "We Believe in Marriage Day." Because the event was such a success the idea was presented to and adopted by Worldwide Marriage Encounter's national leadership. In 1983, the name became World Marriage Day and was designated to be celebrated on the second Sunday in February.

In Atlanta, World Marriage Day was celebrated in many ways. Parish celebrations included events such as renewing wedding vows, receptions and honoring the longest married couple.

The World Marriage Day Valentine Ball was a semi-formal event now in its 14th year which featured a catered dinner and dancing with music provided by a D.J.