Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. That special day of the year that we give cards and gifts to that special person in our lives and celebrate our love for each other, sharing time together. Sadly, this year, due to the ongoing global pandemic, not everyone will be able to spend the day their loved ones. This got us thinking about other periods in history where couples would have been separated for Valentine’s day.
Celebrating Valentine’s During a War
Most notably the main periods that spring to mind are the two World wars. Young men and women were torn apart and some sadly never saw each other ever again. During these periods every effort was made for to ensure letters from home made it to the soldiers at war. Many soldiers got through the horrendous conditions, holding onto the thought of their loved ones back home. Sometimes they took small gifts to war, with them such as a little teddy bear, to remind them of home.
In one letter, from March 1915, Sgt Maj Harrington wrote:
“You and my darling child are constantly in my thoughts. It is indeed a comfort to me always that your life during the last three years, since we were happily united at the altar, has been a happy one.”
“God willing, many happy days together are still in store for us. I crave for you so often but must be like so many other men out here in being patient.”
Sadly, this man didn’t make it home.
It is hard for us to imagine how difficult it must have been for these young men and women during these times.
On a much lighter note, there was the lovely story of a 104-year-old war hero who was totally lost for words after he was sent thousands of Valentine’s Day cards from people all over the world. The retired US Army marine lives in a care home facility in California, where a fellow resident launched a heart-warming appeal via social media campaign as a mark of respect to the Army hero. The response was simply staggering!
William White, who is a WW2 US veteran who was presented with the Purple Heart medal for his bravery and service, was totally overwhelmed to find he received more than 70,000 Valentine Day wishes, tributes and gifts from across the world. Amongst the gifts were said to be a number of cute cuddly toys.
Valentine’s Day 2021
Fast forward to 2021. As we all know the world is a different place right now but as hard as it is, can we really compare it to war times? We may not be able to spend the evening opening our gifts together. We may not be able to share a meal in a restaurant, but there are many things we can do. The advancement of technology in the last 100 years means we can talk to each other easily on a phone. Text messaging allows us to stay in touch constantly and send messages to say how much we love each other. We can see each other on video apps such as Zoom, Skype and WhatsApp.
We can still send cards and gifts to each other, which thanks to Royal Mail and a variety of couriers, will be delivered within a few days. Unlike the war where it took months for letters and special gifts to arrive.
Valentine’s Gifts Delivered
You may not be able to be there to give you loved a big hug and cuddle but we can do that for you. What better way could there be to connect and show your loved one how much they mean to you than by getting them a personalised valentine’s teddy bear.
Flowers will wilt and die after a few days, chocolates will be eaten, but a personalised Teddy Bear will last for life, as a constant reminder to the recipient of how much they are loved and cherished.
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. The bears at Bears4u send a big hug and cuddle to everyone. You are all very special.
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