Before it's too late...

I wanted to comment on St. Valentine and his attribution to the holiday before the month of pink and red hearts and thoughtfully made love notes has passed before our eyes.
Legend has it that in the 3rd Century B.C., Emperor Claudius II, ruler of Rome, was preparing for battle. He wanted as many soldiers as he could get, but few men were willing to sign-up for the cause. Feeling that this was partially do to the vast number of married men and their committments to their family, Claudius decided to ban marriage altogether. Nobody, he demanded was to fall in love or say "I do." Valentine, a Christian priest, believed this law to be descpicable if not disgraceful to the whole human race. Being a priest, he believed that a man and woman were meant to be united. Consequently, Valentine continued his practice of marrying couples, in secret. When Valentine was found out, however, he was taken as a prisoner before a moments rest.
While behind bars, Valentine met the daughter of the jailer and looked forward to their evening conversations. Unfortunately, St. Valentine was executed for his deeds on February 14, 270. He did, however, leave behind a farewell note to the jailer's daughter and signed it, "Love from your Valentine." Thus, the tradition of showing love to dear ones on the 14 of February began and St. Valentine will always be remembered for it.
Though this is just one of the many legends of Valentine's Day (even if it is my favorite), it is one of the most popular myths still held to this day.