Happy Valentine's Day

Floor Speech

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Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Valentine's Day. The day began to honor St. Valentine. Some believe that he was a priest who married Romans in love to defy an emperor's ban. Others believe he helped Christians escape brutal Roman prisons.

Either way, the spread of Christianity helped February 14 become St. Valentine's Day in the fifth century.

Europeans associated the day with love because it coincided with the mating season for some birds in Europe.

My favorite English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, first wrote about St. Valentine's Day as a celebration of love in 1375.

In 1415, the Duke of Orleans wrote the first valentine to his wife while in prison in the Tower of London.

Today, at least 30 countries celebrate Valentine's Day, and an estimated 145 million Valentine's Day cards will be sent out.

If you have been busy, I encourage all my colleagues to pick up some chocolates and flowers before you head home tonight.

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