Gina Heslop
In many cultures, people have unique ways of honoring loved ones who have passed away.
These customs vary, and some may seem unusual if you’re not familiar with them. One such tradition is the act of placing coins on gravestones, which is commonly practiced in the United States and other places around the world. You might have seen this yourself, but wondered why people leave coins on graves and what it all means.
This tradition, especially linked to military graves, has a deeper significance rooted in remembrance and respect. It started becoming more common in the United States after the Vietnam War.
During that time, the country was divided on the issue of the war. People who wanted to visit the graves of fallen soldiers sometimes found it difficult to communicate with the families due to differing political views on the conflict.
So, to avoid any potential disagreements or discomfort, visitors would leave a coin instead. It was a quiet, respectful way to show they had come to pay their respects without needing to reach out to the soldier’s family directly.
Coins on gravestones hold specific meanings based on the type of coin left. Each coin—a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter—carries a different message about the relationship between the person who left it and the deceased.
If you see a penny, it means someone simply visited the grave. A nickel, on the other hand, signifies that the person who left it went through boot camp, or military training, with the deceased.
A dime indicates that the visitor served in the military at the same time as the fallen soldier, but possibly in a different location. Finally, a quarter is particularly significant because it means that the person who left it was actually present when the soldier died.
Sometimes, veterans who leave coins do so as a gesture of camaraderie or remembrance, symbolizing something personal. For example, they may leave coins to represent buying their fallen friend a drink, or just to let the deceased know they are remembered. This small act becomes a way for veterans to feel connected to their comrades, even after they’ve passed on.
Though people may not always understand this tradition, leaving coins on gravestones has grown into a meaningful way to show respect, honor, and remembrance.
It’s not just a simple gesture; it’s a way of expressing gratitude and ensuring that the sacrifice of the fallen is never forgotten.
