This custom spread rapidly among the people, especially among World War II veterans.
Dave Malenfant has been working in a military cemetery in the American state of Michigan for several years, during which time he noticed a growing habit among visitors who came to the graves of fallen heroes. Each time they came, they left various coins on the tombstones. Curiously, he tried to find out what this gesture represents, and what he discovered is really fascinating.
It is not known exactly who initiated this custom, but it quickly spread around World War II, as a way for visitors to show respect for the dead.
The coins that visitors put on the tomb have different meanings. For example, a 1 cent copper coin represents respect for that soldier. A 10-cent coin means that the visitor fought on the front with the deceased, while the 25-cent coin shows that the one who left it was present when the soldier lost his life.
Here’s a great way to remember and honor fallen soldiers!