If you’ve ever spent time in a military cemetery, you might have noticed something unique about some of the headstones.
Recently, I came across a photo on a news story which caught my eye. The story detailed the tragic loss of a Marine, and on his headstone, I saw a penny. Initially, I thought someone might have simply dropped the coin, but I decided to check if the penny had significance.
Indeed, there is a long established tradition of showing one’s respect for a fallen comrade by leaving a coin at the gravesite. Based on your association to the deceased, you would leave a specific coin to let the family know you had paid your respects.
If you visited the site, you would leave a penny. If you trained together in boot camp, you would leave a nickel. Should you have fought alongside each other, you’d leave a dime. Lastly, if you witnessed the hero perish, you would leave a quarter.
This heartwarming tradition has no doubt brought comfort to many families, as they see their loved one remembered and honored. However, this military tradition has evolved from a long history of coin-centric practices involving the perished.
In Ancient Greek times, a coin was often placed in the mouth of the deceased, so that he or she could pay the fare to cross the River Styx. The Egyptians would bury the dead with their treasure, as they believed one could bring it with them into the afterlife. During the Vietnam War, U.S. military members would leave change on headstones as a “down payment,” symbolizing their desire to buy their comrade a drink in the next life.
It is fascinating how we use coins in so many ways, for so many different purposes. The practice of leaving a memento so others can see how loved and respected our fallen heroes are is beautiful. What makes the tradition even more special is that the coins are regularly collected and used to support indigent soldiers and maintain the military cemetery grounds.
Do you know of other ways coins are uniquely used? Share with us below in the comments. And, to our active military and veterans, we thank you for your service.
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