Emperor Claudius II, a rather bloodthirsty ruler of Rome, believed that men weren’t lining up to join his military because they were too “attached” to their wives and families. So he outlawed marriage and engagements in the hopes of controlling the actions of the people. Talk about government overreach!
But freedom lovers will always find a way to be free.
A priest in Rome, Valentine, refused to obey the law and instead chose to carry out the law of God and married lovers in secret. For this transgression against a tyrannical government, he was arrested, beaten, and beheaded.
We celebrate Saint Valentine’s freedom fighting on February 14th–Valentine’s Day.
Though not everyone has that special someone in their life with whom to celebrate this “lover’s day,” we can all celebrate the right to be free to love.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Freedom Reconnection! Will you be my Valentine?
