It's Bill, 2/14/25: Valentines

Feb 142 min read

Valentine’s Day Memories

We all have memories of Valentines and Valentine’s Day. Our thoughts start from early grade school, with the whole class participating in making Valentines at our desks, then collecting and exchanging them. We delivered and sent Valentines to grandmothers, mothers, friends, and family.

Valentine’s Day became more fun, more serious when we evolved to that one special person—our Valentine, The Valentine, that one person.

The Meaning of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has its unique, dualistic connotations. Celebrating Valentine's ranges from giving and receiving as a shared, universal phenomenon to a private, emotional experience. Of course, there was, and hopefully still is, the anticipation of receiving a Valentine. Even better is to give or receive a small Valentine gift, either just for fun or heartfelt. Everyone can be and have a Valentine on Valentine’s Day.

West Quoddy Station: A Romantic Escape

West Quoddy Station, once a USCG Small Boat Rescue Station, by its unspoiled, remote location, has evolved into a private, serene destination, offering a bit of magic for all. Always romantic, West Quoddy has hosted many private engagements, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and special celebrations. West Quoddy Station has been reserved for Valentine’s weekend since mid-January.

A Special Valentine’s Day Wedding

I have a favorite West Quoddy Station Valentine memory. Over 15 years ago, when we were much smaller and less known, guests from the previous summer requested to have a Valentine’s Day wedding. They stayed here and had their ceremony at the top of the driveway overlooking the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.

I had arranged for a Justice of the Peace and found two other guests as witnesses. It had snowed the night before, leaving 5” of untouched snow. The bride and groom were in winter-appropriate suits. They held each other’s hands while taking their vows and looking into each other’s eyes. Just bride, groom, untouched snow, lighthouse, ocean.