Finding ways to celebrate a loved one’s memory becomes vital for many after they pass away, as losing a loved one is always a tough event. While flower arrangements and other tributes are typical, there is a specific meaning associated with laying pennies on gravestones, especially for veterans and service members and their families.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Though its exact roots are unknown, some have speculated that the custom of laying coins on gravestones originated during the Roman Empire. However, according to Snopes, there is insufficient evidence to back up this assertion. However, one thing is certain: people who have a strong bond with military people are aware of the sacrifices they make and are looking for a significant way to remember their lost colleagues.
It became increasingly difficult for people to express their emotions honestly during the Vietnam War. It became customary to place a coin on a soldier’s tomb to signify that someone had paid them a visit without running the danger of awkward talks regarding the political sides of the conflict. The gesture was a straightforward but effective way for people to express respect and unity.
Symbolic Honor Representations
Every penny placed on a gravestone has a special meaning associated with it. Here are few instances:
A penny is a sign that someone has paid their respects and visited the tomb.
Deeper emotional significance can be derived from a nickel, which represents a bond between the individual who left it and the dead soldier from boot camp.
A dime signifies cooperation, even if it was just briefly before splitting up.
The most important coin, the quarter, acts as a monument by informing the bereaved family that the person who left the coin was there during their time of grief.
These coins remind us of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and act as tangible representations of respect and tribute, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Past Gravestones
Not all military traditions involve coins, such as placing money on gravestones. Military troops are big fans of challenge coins, which have no monetary worth but are extremely significant. These coins, which stand for oneness, are frequently traded as trophies of friendship and honor.
Throughout history, coins have also had a variety of roles in cultural practices. They have been regarded as representations of good fortune, giving, and even riches. While this isn’t always the case, some people in the past were buried with their riches. For instance, it’s been reported that two dollars and fifty cents were buried with Abraham Lincoln’s eyes covered.
The deeper significance of laying pennies on gravestones is to commemorate and recognize the extraordinary efforts made by those who are serving in the military and their families, even though there may not be a clear relationship between money and this practice. It serves as a reminder to ourselves that their sacrifices are priceless.
Woman Shares Photo of Chicken Breast That Appears Stretched Like Spaghetti
Alesia Cooper, a mother from Irving, Texas, recently posted a surprising photo of chicken breasts she bought for dinner. When she began preparing the meal, the chicken shredded into thin, spaghetti-like strands, leaving her puzzled and seeking answers.
“I wasn’t sure about posting this, but since I had to see it, so do all of you,” she wrote alongside the photo she shared on March 21.
Cooper explained, “I was making dinner for my kids a few weeks ago, and after cleaning the meat like I always do, it ended up looking like this.” She noted that the chicken came from Aldi and humorously added, “I think it’s fake meat, but I’m not sure… I haven’t made boneless chicken since.”
The post quickly gathered attention, with commenters weighing in with their theories and concerns.
One commenter suggested, “That’s lab-grown chicken. It’s a new method because of bird flu and resource shortages. Last year, they announced they could make chicken in a lab, and that’s what’s in stores now.”
Another user chimed in, “It’s fake. I don’t buy it anymore.”
Others dismissed the lab-grown theory, pointing instead to the use of growth hormones. “It’s not lab-grown or 3D-printed meat. It’s real chicken, but producers use growth hormones to make them grow too fast,” someone explained.
Reports have highlighted similar issues, noting that chemicals and breeding techniques can lead to these abnormalities in chicken. Dr. Massimiliano Petracci, a professor of agriculture and food science in Italy, confirmed that fast-growing birds often exhibit these issues.
Historically, it took chickens 112 days to reach 2.5 pounds, but now, due to modern breeding methods, they can reach an average of 5 pounds in just 47 days.
Dr. Michael Lilburn, a professor at Ohio State University’s Poultry Research Center, pointed out that the growing demand for chicken products like nuggets and sandwiches is driving these changes. “If people keep eating more chicken, the chickens will likely need to get even bigger… and we’ll need to increase the amount of breast meat per bird.”
He added, “Most Americans don’t care where their food comes from as long as it’s cheap, but a small, vocal group is raising important questions.”
With growing concerns over food quality, it’s crucial to be mindful of what we consume, both for our health and the health of our families.
Feel free to SHARE this article with your friends and family on Facebook!
Leave a Reply