General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIf You Visit a National Cemetery This Weekend,
You're likely to notice coins placed on the tops of some grave markers. Here's why they're there:
A coin left on a headstone lets the deceased soldiers family know that somebody stopped by to pay their respect. Leaving a penny means you visited.
A nickel means that you and the deceased soldier trained at boot camp together. If you served with the soldier, you leave a dime. A quarter is very significant because it means that you were there when that soldier died.
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/coined-tradition/
Glorfindel
(9,729 posts)I hope lieutenant Drew died peacefully in his sleep, leaving behind a loving family.
MineralMan
(146,288 posts)So I looked it up.
Hekate
(90,661 posts)I am familiar with the Jewish tradition of leaving a small rock on the headstone, in token of a visit. "You are not forgotten."
MineralMan
(146,288 posts)I'm especially touched by the children's toys that are sometimes left. A token that is precious to the giver.
We left a Hot Wheels Mustang at my son's grave because he loved driving my '66 Mustang so much that when it was time to get his own first car, it was an '08 Mustang. Sadly he passed away only a week later. Navy Corpsman.
MineralMan
(146,288 posts)I'm so sorry for your loss!
kanda
(175 posts)onethatcares
(16,166 posts)threads like this make my eyes leak.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)A very dear friend - a veteran - passed a couple of months ago, and I had the privilege of attending his military funeral, a first for me. From the moment we drove through the cemetery entrance, you could sense the hush of peacefulness and respect that resided within. The sight of thousands of identical headstones and the obvious care shown to them shocks you into immediate silence. The reverence shown to this gentleman during his service was breathtaking and let you know he was in good hands. It was an experience I'll never forget, and I'll be sure to leave a penny.
mcar
(42,307 posts)That is beautiful.