Did you know about the tradition of placing coins on headstones?

Capt Seid Waddell — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 00:04:35 -0500

I got this in an email; have any of you heard about this tradition?

"I was not aware of this tradition...

While "Cleaning of the Stones" at the National Cemetery in Holly. I noticed a quarter placed on one of the stones. Later I also noticed a nickel placed on another stone, I was so touched with this that I took pictures. (sorry the nickel did not turn out) I googled about the coins, and found this out. I am very proud to share this.

A coin left on a headstone lets the deceased soldiers family know that somebody stopped by to pay their respect. Leaving a penny means you visited.

A nickel means that you and the deceased soldier trained at boot camp together. If you served with the soldier, you leave a dime. A quarter is very significant because it means that you were there when that soldier died.

I AM VERY PROUD TO SHARE THIS."

Response by COL Charles Williams made Nov 16 at 2015 12:23 AM

COL Charles Williams — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 00:23:36 -0500

Interesting....

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 16 at 2015 8:05 AM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 08:05:59 -0500

Thank you for the information. I did not know that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 11:16 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 11:16:54 -0500

I have left far too many dimes and quarters...

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Nov 16 at 2015 11:58 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 11:58:25 -0500

First, I was completely unaware of this. It's very touching. Guess I'll start saving my change for such occasions. Thanks for posting, Capt Seid Waddell

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 17 at 2015 12:03 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 00:03:44 -0500

Capt Seid Waddell Very impressive information Captain. Thank you.

Response by PO2 Wesley Wilson made Nov 17 at 2015 12:34 AM

PO2 Wesley Wilson — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 00:34:51 -0500

This is a very real thing, its roots are found in an even older Jewish tradition of leaving a rock on a grave marker. Rocks are often brought from the home of a service member to the grave or from the homes of those they knew.

Coins, rocks are all a way of letting the family know that their loss is remembered. Service members are often not able to morn the loss at the time, placing a memento on the grave also allows for some closure.

Capt Seid Waddell Sir, great post and great topic, this is a tradition that needs more awareness.

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Nov 18 at 2015 3:32 AM

SGT Justin Anderson — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 03:32:59 -0500

I came to know of this tradition through the Jewish tradition of leaving rocks/pebbles on headstones. My great uncle is buried at Normandy and I had noticed it. Upon researching it, it had also shown the coin tradition.

Response by SP5 Mark Kuzinski made Nov 18 at 2015 8:07 AM

SP5 Mark Kuzinski — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 08:07:00 -0500

No I didn't know that. Thanks for the post and I will remember that next time I'm in Holly.

God Bless.