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.
Elvis Presley’s Grandson Takes the Stage and Shows His Talent
Dakota Striplin made a daring assertion on “The Voice,” implying he might be the grandchild of the late, great Elvis Presley, in the thrilling world of talent competitions. Dakota mesmerized the judges and audience with her soul-stirring performance of “Love Me Tender,” bringing back memories of Elvis with every note. With just his guitar for accompaniment, he gave a captivating and stirring performance.
The first judge was clearly captivated as Dakota’s ethereal voice filled the room; she turned her chair in appreciation and put her hand over her heart. Not long later, an additional judge, captivated by his captivating aura and remarkable voice, quickly turned around, anxious to discover the origin of this exquisite performance.
The judges questioned him about his song selection and sources of musical inspiration after his performance. Dakota spoke movingly about his family’s relationship with Elvis, describing his grandmother’s happy recollections of seeing him perform. He teased the judges with a funny joke about having a family link to the King of Rock and Roll, which made them laugh and joke about how much they looked alike.
Dakota added to the mystery by talking about other enigmatic parts of his ancestry, such as a major DNA discovery that raised questions about his confirmed pedigree and suggested a possible connection to Elvis Presley.
Experience Dakota Striplin’s captivating performance and fascinating background by watching the entire film below.
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