Chicago, IL
What do coins on military tombstones mean?
Col. Dave Taylor, a Vietnam Battle veteran, defined the custom and the rationale behind it.
A coin left on a gravestone lets the deceased soldier’s household know that any individual stopped by to pay their respects.
When you depart a penny, it means you visited. A nickel signifies that you and the deceased soldier skilled at boot camp collectively. When you served with the soldier, you allow a dime. 1 / 4 could be very important as a result of it signifies that you had been there when that soldier was killed.
Taylor says the custom turned well-liked in america throughout the Vietnam Battle. It’s believed it was a technique to present respect with out entering into an uncomfortable political dialogue a few warfare that was very controversial.
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