We all have different traditions when it comes to commemorating and paying tribute to our loved ones who have passed away.
In today’s world, honoring the customs of others while commemorating the lives of the departed ought to come as standard practice. Some may choose to follow traditions or practices that the rest of us are not familiar with, but it doesn’t make them any less legitimate.
The same is true with gravestones and the ornamentation certain families choose to place over their loved ones’ last resting places. Coins being placed on headstones is one custom that is widely practiced and that you have probably witnessed at some point. However, why is this even a thing? And from whence did it originate? Continue reading to learn more.
Coins are traditionally placed on gravestones in cemeteries around the United States and other countries. When I was a little child, I first observed it when I was at my grandfather’s tomb, and even then, I started to wonder what it was all about.
Luckily, finding the beginnings online doesn’t need much research. Although it was previously thought that the practice originated with Roman military troops, a number of sources have disproved that theory in recent years.
Still, there’s a military connection to leaving pennies on gravestones. The American Legion Website states on one of its pages that it can be linked to the Vietnam War.
“Leaving a coin was considered a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the soldier’s grave than contacting the soldier’s family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war, due to the political divide in the country over the war.”
There are other reasons why veterans leave pennies on gravestones in memory of their fallen friends; occasionally, they do so in order to purchase a beer for them. Each coin represents a different meaning, according to reports.
For instance, a nickel is left by someone who served in boot camp with the deceased, whereas a penny just indicates that someone was present.
On the other hand, a dime represents a combined period of military service. Next are quarters, which inform the family of the presence of whoever left the coin at the moment of the loved one’s passing.
Ever notice a penny left on a gravestone? Were you aware of its meaning? Tell us in the comments below.
Michael Madsen speaks out following death of son Hudson
“Reservoir Dogs” and “Kill Bill” star Michael Madsen addressed the death of his son Hudson, who died of a gunshot wound to the head in what was reported a suspected suicide, in January 2022, according to the City and County of Honolulu Dept. of the Medical Examiner.
At the time of his passing, Hudson was 26.
The family confirmed the news in a statement to Metro which read: “We are heartbroken and overwhelmed with grief and pain at the loss of Hudson. His memory and light will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time.”
At the time, they didn’t make any additional comments as they asked from the media to respect their privacy.
Later, Madsen opened up about his son’s passing through a statement released by The Los Angeles Times.
“I am in shock as my son, whom I just spoke with a few days ago, said he was happy — my last text from him was ‘I love you dad,’” the 64-year-old actor said.
“I didn’t see any signs of depression. It’s so tragic and sad. I’m just trying to make sense of everything and understand what happened,” he continued. “He had typical life challenges that people have with finances, but he wanted a family. He was looking towards his future, so it’s mind blowing. I just can’t grasp what happened.”
Madsen, however, is said to believe that his son was facing struggles after he joined the army because he was mocked after he asked for therapy for his mental issues. Hudson had one deployment to Afghanistan from August 2018 to January 2019 while stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado.
Hudson was married to wife Carlie and according to their social media, the two lived in Hawaii. According to Madse, his late son’s marriage “was going strong.”
We are very sorry for the loss. Rest in peace, Hudson.
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