Claudius banned soldiers from marrying, believing single men made better warriors. Valentine defied this order and secretly performed marriages, leading to his arrest and execution on February 14th, 269. Before his death, he was said to have written a note to his jailer's daughter signed, "from your Valentine." In 469, Pope Gelasius declared February 14th as Saint Valentine's Day.
Today, children will be anxious about whether anyone will want them as a Valentine, but we should all embrace this day as a way to show appreciation for the people who bring joy to our lives, whether through romance or gifts or simple acts of kindness. Valentine's Day reminds us of the power of love and human connection. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine's Day. This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.
