OKLAHOMA CITY -- In recognition of his work and persistence in establishing the Washita site in Roger Mills County as a National Historic Battlefield Site, the Oklahoma Historical Society will confer the State Historic Preservation Officer's Citation of Merit on Congressman Frank Lucas this Friday evening at ceremonies in Clinton.

The Friday evening banquet and awards ceremony is part of the Historical Society's Ninth Annual Statewide Preservation Conference, being held May 8-10 in Clinton.

"I'm humbled and thrilled with this honor from the Historical Society," Lucas said. "Many people have worked hard and long to see the National Park in Roger Mills County become reality, and I'm proud to receive this recognition on their behalf.

"I truly believe in the attractiveness of our area's historic riches," he continued. "And I look forward to seeing western Oklahoma become a destination point for history buffs around the world."

Oklahoma's Ninth Annual Statewide Preservation Conference annual awards banquet will be held Friday, May 9 at the First Christian Church Family Life Center in Clinton. The event starts at 7:00 p.m.