The "Placing A Coin In The Graveyard" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Reading a few stories on my computer when I came upon a question that was posed to me.  It read..."If you see a coin on a Gravestone, what does it mean?"  Any ideas?   I thought I knew, so I continued reading the post to see if my answer might have been correct.  First off...have YOU ever visited a cemetery and noticed a splattering of items left on gravestones?  Might have found flowers, keepsakes, handwritten notes and even coins.  Well, when you see a coin or coins on a gravestone, it usually signifies that the person buried there was a member of the military.

Similar to gold stars on license plates, these coins are a meaningful way for people to convey their pride in a loved one who is no longer with them.  People who visit a deceased service member can leave a coin on the headstone so when loved ones come to the cemetery, they're aware that others have been there to pay their respects, also.  This moving sentiment can make a tremendous impact on the family of the deceased military folk, which is why it's a special tradition.  It's also important to take note of the type of coin left on the stone.  For instance, if a penny had been left on the gravestone, it usually signifies that a person has visited the headstone and the penny is an act of gratitude for the person's service.  Anyone who leaves a nickel is saying that they went to boot camp with the person buried in the graveyard.  If a dime  is left behind it signifies that the visitor served with the deceased military member.  If you would find a quarter on the tombstone, it usually signifies that the visitor was present when the soldier passed away.  Could mean that they were in battle together and wanted to let you know that they served with that soldier.  Now that you understand what each coin means when you see it, you'll have a better idea of what it means when you see this emotional item left behind at a gravestone.  More importantly...you'll now know the proper coin to leave if you perhaps visit someone who has died that you served with while in the service together.  I, personally didn't know that, and often wondered why I found coins attached to my father's nameplate in our church cemetery.  Neither he nor my mother has a specific tombstone, but they do have brass nameplates to signify that their ashes are buried at that site.  So, seeing a coin stuck to their nameplate more than likely meant the same as if it was laid on their tombstone.  I know my dad would have been proud to have had a coin attached to his tombstone, but I'd sure he is just as proud to have a coin taped to his nameplate in the cemetery.  RIP, Dad.  Love You!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.