Posted 11 years ago
Aimathena
(600 items)
COINS LEFT ON TOMBSTONES
While visiting some cemeteries you may notice that headstones marking certain graves have coins on them, left by previous visitors to the grave.
These coins have distinct meanings when left on the headstones of those who gave their life while serving in America'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. 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 solider 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.
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.
Some Vietnam veterans would leave coins as a "down payment" to buy their fallen comrades a beer or play a hand of cards when they would finally be reunited.
The tradition of leaving coins on the headstones of military men and women can be traced to as far back as the Roman Empire.
Thank you for viewing this post, and reading this story.
This story really touched me.
Many thanks to all the men and women who served.
I have the utmost respect for your bravely, and dedication.
Thank you for the freedoms we enjoy today.
This world truly is a safer place because of your efforts.
Much respect for the soldier, who's headstone is pictured above.
Please note I am not advertising this photo as my own, I am simply sharing a very heart touching story. Thank you for your interest.
Never knew about this. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the love xo...
nutsabotas - I hadn't either. I think it's an amazing though.
doc :-) you're most welcome
Sean
rocker
Really interesting! Thanks for the info
Thank you for the love xo...
Leah
Kerry
TG
TT
Amber - :-) You're very welcome, I thought so too.
Thanks very much for posting this. Sometimes traditions fade away and then revive when people rediscover them. Although a veteran myself, I had not heard of the practice where each coin had a particular meaning before. I have seen coins and other items left on the headstones in our local National Cemetery. Airborne wings, small stones, etc.
Chrisnp, thank you so much for your bravery and service. it takes a certain breed of men and women to do what you do. much love and respect to you.
Thanks for the love, very kind comment, and sharing your own personal story as well. Do you know what the stones symbolize?
Thanks for the love xo
Phil
blackshiep
chrisnp
agh
Thanks for the kind words Aimathena, but compared to the sacrifices of others, I don’t feel I did much.
As to the stones, here is an interesting article that starts “The act of placing a small stone or pebble on the top of a gravestone comes from Jewish tradition. However, it seems many non-Jewish visitors to Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, VA, now leave stones on the headstones instead of flowers. Plus, reports say that other cemeteries around the nation have seen a similar trend.” Here’s the link for the rest: http://www.examiner.com/article/non-jews-take-on-jewish-tradition-of-placing-stones-on-gravestones
Although I’ve seen other headstones with stones, there is one that always has stones on it that is in the same row as the grave I visit. Always a small smooth stone like you might find in a creek bed. The only clue I have as to who might be leaving them is on the inscription. On the standard government headstone under the usual military information are the words “Beloved Mother.”
Wow chrisnp, thank you so much! That was so touching.
I have to agree with the author... Knowing all of the reasons for placing a stone or pebble on a gravestone, I would think most people would want to adopt this Jewish ritual no matter what their religion is. I certainly will now. Thanks again, truly appreciate you sharing this with me, and everyone on cw.
Thanks for the love xo...
pops
EJ
BB2
Mike
WS
Thank you for the love xo...
Scott
geo
Thank you for the love xo...
ho2
Gargo
Thanks so much for the love xo...
Petey
Buccman
Very moving.
Thank you