Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_name_79 (year_signed INTEGER, reason_for_separation VARCHAR, year_separated VARCHAR)

### Question ###
What is the most current year signed for separation of † and a separation year of 1997?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT MAX(year_signed) FROM table_name_79 WHERE reason_for_separation = "†" AND year_separated = "1997"