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2000
years ago, the most powerful army in the world belonged to the Romans. The
Romans were strong and had conquered almost all of Europe, and parts of Asia and Africa. But they had
been away from home for many years (service lasted 25 years!) and life
in the army was harsh. Many of the soldiers longed for the comforts of
home. They wanted to marry and set up families. The Emperor, whose
name was Claudius the Second, was worried and so he made a law that no
soldier was allowed to marry.By that time, many of the Romans were Christians.
And one of their leaders was a Bishop called Valentine. He believed that if a
man and woman fell in love with each other, they should get married -- and so
he decided to let soldiers get married in his church, even though it was now
against the law. The soldiers' weddings were meant to be secret, but as you
know, all secrets are hard to keep, and soon the word got out. Valentine was
arrested and brought before the emperor who demanded that he stop helping
soldiers to marry, and instead that he pray to the gods of Rome. When he
refused, the emperor sentenced him to death.While Valentine was in prison, the
jailer's daughter, who was blind, used to bring him his food. She and Valentine
used to spend long hours talking to each other, and they fell in love. One day,
Valentine put his hand through the bars of his cell and touched the lids of her
closed eyes. When she opened them again, she could see. It was a
miracle.Valentine's execution was set for February the 14th. On his last night
on earth, he wrote his final message to the girl. He signed his love letter,
"From Your Valentine". This took place in the year 270, and ever
since, lovers have sent each other messages on February the 14th with the same
signature.
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