As a homeless kid, a single birthday gift—a crumpled dollar bill—transformed my life. I was taken in by foster parents Steve and Linda, who had eight other Black foster kids. They treated us likе their own, and Steve always made me feel special. He’d say, “Dylan, you’re just as good as anyone else.”
On my fifth birthday, my biological parents took me away, and Steve handed me a dollar bill, saying, “There’s a special message for you written on this bill. Never lose it.” Two years later, my biological parents аbаndоned me in a park.
At seven, alone and scared, I promised myself, “No more orphanages. You’re going to make it on your own.” I lived on the streets, learning to read and write from a homeless man named Jacob. He’d say, “Dylan, you’ve got to learn this. It’s your way out of here.”
Years later, I found the dollar bill again and read Steve’s message: “You are my son and always will be… With it, you will succeed, but you have to believe in yourself!” This reignited my spark.
I worked tirelessly until an elderly man, Mr. Brown, offered me a job. His mentorship led me to success, and I returned to my foster parents, showing Steve the dollar bill. He smiled and said, “Maybe it’s not the dollar but you?” Through resilience and belief, I made it.
Why do some people place coins on gravestones?
Coping with the loss of a loved one is a challenging journey, even when they rest in a visitable site. Many individuals express their deep connection by leaving intricate offerings like flower arrangements, and in certain cultures, even snacks. However, the tradition of placing coins on gravestones holds a distinctive significance, primarily associated with military personnel, carrying a profound meaning for veterans and their families.
The origins of the practice are somewhat unclear, with claims suggesting a historical connection to the Roman Empire, though lacking concrete documentation, according to Snopes. Regardless of its historical roots, one undeniable truth remains, those who serve in the armed forces, along with their loved ones, endure sacrifices that often surpass common understanding.
The custom of leaving coins on gravestones can be traced back to the Vietnam War era, where it served as a practical means of communication amidst the divisive political climate surrounding the war. Leaving a coin became a subtle yet meaningful gesture, avoiding potential contentious discussions with the soldier’s family about the politics of the war. This revelation is shared on the American Legion Website.
Beyond its practical origins, the tradition of leaving coins on gravestones has evolved into a symbolic act of showing respect and honoring fallen comrades. Each coin type carries a distinct meaning in this poignant practice. A penny symbolizes a simple visit, a nickel holds sentimental value as it signifies shared experiences in boot camp, a dime represents serving together, even briefly, before a transfer, and a quarter, perhaps the most significant, indicates that the individual was present during the time of death, offering solace to the grieving family.
This tradition of military personnel leaving coins is not the sole connection between the military and monetary symbols. Challenge coins, a beloved military tradition, have deep roots dating back to World War I, symbolizing unity among those who have served. While challenge coins hold sentimental value and represent unity, they lack any monetary worth.
Coins, as symbols, extend beyond military traditions, playing roles in various cultural practices. Coins are often seen as symbols of good luck, goodwill towards newlyweds, and objects for making wishes. Throughout history, there have been instances of individuals being buried with their wealth, although not necessarily in the form of coins. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, was reported to be buried with two-half dollars over his eyes.
While the specific symbolism of currency may remain unclear in the tradition of placing coins on gravestones, the practice signifies a bond that transcends superficial understanding. It serves as a powerful and enduring tribute, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those in the service and their families, ensuring their dedication is never overlooked or forgotten.
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