U.S. #5434

With all the holidays each year plus special occasions like birthdays, there are always plenty of reasons to celebrate.  In 2020, the United States Postal Service issued a new Forever stamp designed to be used on greeting cards and other celebratory mail.  The stamp was issued on Valentine's Day, when millions of greeting cards are sent across the United States.

Valentine's Day has been celebrated for hundreds of years and was first established as a religious holiday by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD.  Today, it is more of a cultural celebration centered around love.  While mainly a holiday dedicated to the romantic expression of love, Valentine's Day is also a day for friends and family to express their love for each other.

One of the most popular ways of celebrating Valentine's Day is the giving of Valentines.  These may be regular-sized greeting cards or small folded cards picturing cartoon characters and fun saying.  Most of the smaller cards are exchanged by schoolchildren along with a piece of candy or small toy.  These types of fun traditions remind us that anyone can look forward to celebrating Valentine's Day, whether in a romantic relationship or just spending time with friends and family.