Americans hold deep respect for the military men and women who fight for our country and freedom. This respect grows even stronger on Memorial Day, a day to honor those who lost their lives in service.
People have found a unique way to pay tribute to fallen soldiers—by placing coins on their tombstones. If you see these coins, it’s best not to touch them but consider leaving one yourself as a sign of respect.
The coins help the families of the soldiers know that someone has visited the grave and is thankful for their loved one’s sacrifice. Each coin has a different meaning, based on the visitor’s relationship with the fallen soldier.
A penny means the visitor didn’t know the soldier personally but wanted to pay their respects. A nickel shows that the visitor and the soldier went through boot camp together. A dime means they served together, and a quarter signifies that the visitor was present when the soldier died.
The coins are both emotional and comforting for the families, showing that people still remember and honor their loved ones. Seeing these coins on the graves is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
Cemetery workers periodically collect the coins, which are then used to help cover burial costs for veterans. This gesture ensures that the memory of these soldiers continues to be honored in a meaningful way.
Dave Taylor, a Vietnam War veteran, often places coins on the tombstones of his fellow soldiers. For him, it’s a way to keep their memories alive. “It’s a story about life, about sacrifice, and about remembrance,” said Taylor.
This tradition serves as a touching reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom. If you want to honor these soldiers, you can share this story with your family and friends, or leave a coin on a tombstone yourself.