Behind the tradition of leaving coins on gravestones?
The meaning behind the tradition of leaving coins on gravestones? These coins have distinct meanings when left on the headstones of those who gave their life while serving in the U.S. Military, and these meanings vary depending on the denomination of coin.
‘A coin left on a headstone or at the grave site is meant as a message to the deceased soldier’s family that someone else has visited the grave to pay respect.
According to tradition, the money left at graves in national cemeteries and state Veterans cemeteries is eventually collected, and the funds are put toward maintaining the cemetery or paying burial costs for indigent Veterans.
Leaving a penny at the grave means simply that you visited.
A nickel indicates that you and the deceased trained at boot camp together, while a dime means you served with him in some capacity. By leaving a quarter at the grave, you are telling the family that you were with the soldier when he was killed.
According to tradition, the money left at graves in national cemeteries and state veterans cemeteries is eventually collected, and the funds are put toward maintaining the cemetery or paying burial costs for indigent veterans. wimotercyclememorial.com
In the US, this practice became common during the Vietnam War, due to the political divide in the country over the war; leaving a coin was seen as a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the grave than contacting the soldier’s family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war.
ON BEHALF OF A GRATEFUL NATION | Since its inception, the United States Air Force has championed the value of service before self, charging Airmen to place professional duty above personal desires. While adherence to this call is expected of Airmen every day, on Memorial Day we are given the opportunity to commemorate the loss of those who have embodied this core value by giving their lives for their country.
“Each Memorial Day, we honor the sacrifices, courage, and valor of those service members who have given the last full measure of devotion and service to our great nation. On this most solemn of days, we turn our hearts to our fallen heroes and honor their bravery. As we march onward, with aspirations of greatness, let us never forget on whose shoulders we stand…These fallen patriots who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.” – General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Every day, these men and women, true American patriots, continue to inspire future generations to raise their right hand and serve their country. Today, we honor these fallen warriors with the remembrance anthem, “Goin’ Home”. To those who have given the last full measure of devotion in service to their country, we thank you. The National Cemetery Administration honors Veterans and their families with final resting places in national shrines and with lasting tributes