Today is the day for love. Flowers, chocolates, cards and a day when all ill will is cast aside and lovers embrace. Today is also a day filled with mystery and intrigue. A day when the stories of the “true” legend are just a wee bit contradictory, and celebrations, memories, and history can be remembered differently.

February 14th! While lovers hold hands and share whispers of commitment, around the world this day holds more than a handful of life-changing experiences and events for many. Whether we go back to the controversy surrounding whether or not St. Valentine was a Priest and Saint recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, or a “real” man whose reason for the title befell him for performing Christian marriages, one can only surmise.

His true identity was first questioned by Pope Gelasius I, who felt that he was a “martyr being known only to God.” He was eventually beheaded by the Emperor Claudius II. History also says there were those who believed he was the Bishop of Terni. And, might I add that there is another dozen or so St. Valentines plus a pope in the chronicles of historical data.

Whether any of these is the true St. Valentine, or if there is only one, the world has allowed history to re-write itself and February has been dubbed the month of romance and Feb. 14 is the day for that romantic celebration.

But, history does not credit Feb. 14 as only a day for lovers, this day is steeped with other noteworthy events. For instance, two states joined the union on Feb. 14; Oregon in 1859, and Arizona in 1912. Today’s cell phones may have taken a different path to creation had Alexander Graham Bell not applied for a telephone patent on this day in 1876. The Civil War may have turned out differently had it not been for the infamous “March to the Sea” led by General William Tecumseh Sherman who died from pneumonia Feb. 14, 1891. And, lest we forget, while Jimmy Hoffa was born on this date in 1913, his final resting place remains a mystery. In 1919 the U.S. Postal Service was formed. Chicago saw the formation of the League of Women Voters on this day in 1920. The famous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre in Chicago happened on Feb. 14, 1929. Not to be outdone by today’s Winter Olympics, they opened in Oslo, Norway on this day in 1942. And speaking of current events and turmoil, in 1971, then President Richard Nixon had a secret taping system installed in the White House — just saying.

Alas, however, there is so much more. But, the real question is why do people celebrate Valentine’s Day in the first place? Is it for the love of others, love of Christ’s works, miracles, or the chocolate?

It seems that the miracle that was the true reason for Valentine to become a saint happened due to a farewell letter he wrote to a young blind girl in which he beseeched her to stay close to Jesus and he signed the letter, “From your Valentine.” It is believed that Jesus cured the young girl so that she could read the letter herself. Subsequently, millions since and might I say millions to come in the years ahead, sign and will continue to sign the same way on cards, gifts and letters.

Emperor Claudius II promised Valentine that he would pardon him if he would deny his faith and no longer worship Christ; Valentine refused and was sentenced to death and beheaded on February 14, 270 A.D. What has now become the day for celebrating love — Valentine’s Day!

Whether you awaken in the arms of someone you love, or feel your heart beating so hard that you can hear it as you rush to the nearest coffee shop or restaurant for the magical kiss, remember that love is rooted in the greatest sacrifice of all with the crucifixion of Jesus. We learn from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”

Thanks to St. Valentine for inspiring each of us, and to Charles Schulz for a lighter side and with whom I wholeheartedly agree with his belief that “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”

Have a great day.

Vicki Westling is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com