If You Visit a National Cemetery This Weekend,

[MineralMan]

You're likely to notice coins placed on the tops of some grave markers. Here's why they're there:

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.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.

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/coined-tradition/

[Glorfindel]

1. Very touching, MineralMan. What a nice tradition!

I hope lieutenant Drew died peacefully in his sleep, leaving behind a loving family.

[MineralMan]

2. The first time I noticed the coins, I was puzzled.

So I looked it up.

[Hekate]

3. Thanks for this info--I never knew. "I was here; you are not forgotten."

I am familiar with the Jewish tradition of leaving a small rock on the headstone, in token of a visit. "You are not forgotten."

[MineralMan]

4. Yes. It's along the same lines.

I'm especially touched by the children's toys that are sometimes left. A token that is precious to the giver.

[kanda]

5. toy

We left a Hot Wheels Mustang at my son's grave because he loved driving my '66 Mustang so much that when it was time to get his own first car, it was an '08 Mustang. Sadly he passed away only a week later. Navy Corpsman.

[MineralMan]

7. Thank you. A very appropriate token.

I'm so sorry for your loss!

[kanda]

9. thank you. nt

[onethatcares]

6. I don't know why, but

threads like this make my eyes leak.

[Totally Tunsie]

8. Beautiful

A very dear friend - a veteran - passed a couple of months ago, and I had the privilege of attending his military funeral, a first for me. From the moment we drove through the cemetery entrance, you could sense the hush of peacefulness and respect that resided within. The sight of thousands of identical headstones and the obvious care shown to them shocks you into immediate silence. The reverence shown to this gentleman during his service was breathtaking and let you know he was in good hands. It was an experience I'll never forget, and I'll be sure to leave a penny.

[mcar]

10. Learned something new

That is beautiful.