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.
Driver dodges trash bag on the road, then realizes the chilling truth
You’ve probably experienced moments where a last-minute change in your routine leads to unexpected outcomes. Perhaps you altered your coffee order or left the office early, only to cross paths with an old friend or uncover an unpleasant surprise at home. These small decisions can lead to significant consequences, some good and some alarming.
Malissa Sergent Lewis had one such moment during the summer of 2016 when she decided to take a different route to work at her elementary school in Kentucky. Running late, she opted for a back road instead of the usual highway, a choice that she would come to appreciate greatly.
As she drove along that quieter road, she noticed something odd: a trash bag seemingly moving in the middle of the lane. “I thought I saw it twitch”, Malissa recalled. Intrigued and concerned, she felt compelled to investigate further.
Cautiously, she approached the bag, realizing it was tightly tied and that whatever was inside couldn’t have gotten there by itself. With a mix of apprehension and determination, she tore open a corner of the bag, revealing a heartwarming surprise.
Inside was a small puppy, wagging his tail with joy as soon as he was exposed to the light. “I couldn’t believe it”, Malissa said. The little dog, though shaken, was eager for companionship.
He was found with a collar but without any identification tags, raising questions about how he ended up abandoned in the first place. Unable to leave him behind, Malissa brought the puppy along to school. Later, her son took the puppy home, and they arranged for a vet visit to ensure he was healthy and vaccinated.
Concerned for the puppy’s safety, Malissa contacted animal control, but the dog had not been reported missing, and no one came forward to claim him.
In a fortunate turn of events, Malissa and her family decided to adopt the puppy, providing him with the love and care he deserves. Yet, she struggles to comprehend the cruelty that led to his abandonment. “Who could do something so heartless?” she wondered. “Everyone loves puppies; it takes a cold-hearted person to put any animal in a trash bag and discard it like that.”
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