MIKE GRACIA

Washington’s Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the
third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President
of the United States, who was born on February 22, 1732. Since the Uniform
Federal Holidays Act of 1971, its observance can occur from February 15 to
21, inclusive.Colloquially, the day is also now widely known as Presidents’
Day and is often an occasion to honor the incumbent president and all who
have served as president, not just George Washington. The day is a state
holiday in most states.

On February 14, around the year 270 A.D., Valentine, a holy priest in Rome
in the days of Emperor Claudius II, was executed.

Under the rule of Claudius the Cruel, Rome was involved in many unpopular
and bloody campaigns. The emperor had to maintain a strong army, but
was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues.
Claudius believed that Roman men were unwilling to join the army because
of their strong attachment to their wives and families. 

To get rid of the problem, Claudius banned all marriages and engagements
in Rome. Valentine, 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, on or 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.”For his great service, Valentine was named a saint after his death.