Oh Valentine’s Day! Where did it originate? One story indicates that the Roman emperor Claudius was having trouble recruiting Roman men to be soldiers because the men were unnecessarily attached to their wives and children. To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements in Rome. Valentine, a priest, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Valentine was arrested and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death with clubs and to have his head cut off. The sentence was carried out on February 14, about the year 270.

Legend also has it that while in jail, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer’s daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it “From Your Valentine.”

It seems odd to remember such a gruesome death with hearts, flowers, and terms of endearment. These terms of endearment though are what every elementary student loves! That is why we are collecting boxed Valentine cards. They will be distributed to local elementary schools so that kids without Valentines can share this tradition with their classmates. Bring in unopened boxes of Valentine cards on or before Monday, February 11th. Frances will see that they reach the schools.