Finding ways to celebrate a loved one’s memory becomes vital for many after they pass away, as losing a loved one is always a tough event. While flower arrangements and other tributes are typical, there is a specific meaning associated with laying pennies on gravestones, especially for veterans and service members and their families.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Though its exact roots are unknown, some have speculated that the custom of laying coins on gravestones originated during the Roman Empire. However, according to Snopes, there is insufficient evidence to back up this assertion. However, one thing is certain: people who have a strong bond with military people are aware of the sacrifices they make and are looking for a significant way to remember their lost colleagues.
It became increasingly difficult for people to express their emotions honestly during the Vietnam War. It became customary to place a coin on a soldier’s tomb to signify that someone had paid them a visit without running the danger of awkward talks regarding the political sides of the conflict. The gesture was a straightforward but effective way for people to express respect and unity.
Symbolic Honor Representations
Every penny placed on a gravestone has a special meaning associated with it. Here are few instances:
A penny is a sign that someone has paid their respects and visited the tomb.
Deeper emotional significance can be derived from a nickel, which represents a bond between the individual who left it and the dead soldier from boot camp.
A dime signifies cooperation, even if it was just briefly before splitting up.
The most important coin, the quarter, acts as a monument by informing the bereaved family that the person who left the coin was there during their time of grief.
These coins remind us of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and act as tangible representations of respect and tribute, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Past Gravestones
Not all military traditions involve coins, such as placing money on gravestones. Military troops are big fans of challenge coins, which have no monetary worth but are extremely significant. These coins, which stand for oneness, are frequently traded as trophies of friendship and honor.
Throughout history, coins have also had a variety of roles in cultural practices. They have been regarded as representations of good fortune, giving, and even riches. While this isn’t always the case, some people in the past were buried with their riches. For instance, it’s been reported that two dollars and fifty cents were buried with Abraham Lincoln’s eyes covered.
The deeper significance of laying pennies on gravestones is to commemorate and recognize the extraordinary efforts made by those who are serving in the military and their families, even though there may not be a clear relationship between money and this practice. It serves as a reminder to ourselves that their sacrifices are priceless.
Pennsylvania Rescuers In Shock After Finding Paralyzed Pittie Left Inside A Garbage Bag
Usually, when we wake up and get ready for our day, we don’t really think that we will end up being heroes that day.
So, when a Good Samaritan was working on a property in Philadelphia, they thought it was going to be just a regular day on the job.
However, while working, he noticed a discarded trash bag with something moving inside of it. He immediately rushed to investigate and, ripping open the bag, he saw something that completely took him by surprise.
Shocking Discovery
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Inside of the bag, the worker found a white and tan Pittie that was in very bad condition.
The body of this terrified pup was completely stiff, and he could not move his head or his feet.
The heartbroken hooman gently took him out of the trash bag and placed him on a piece of cardboard. He also covered his stiff body with a blanket, hoping to keep him as warm as possible.
When he got the pup comfortable, he contacted the local authorities informing them of the situation.
While he waited, he gave the sweet boy some food hoping that he would take a few bites.
The Pennsylvania SPCA gladly answered the call and immediately headed down to the location of the pup.
When they arrived, they wasted no time and loaded the poor pup, later named Codi, into their car and took him to their facilities.
Seeing the condition Codi was in left the vets puzzled.
“What had happened to this poor soul? Why had he been discarded like trash?” Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in a Facebook post.
It didn’t take the vets too long to realize that Codi was unable to stand up on his paws. They conducted many tests and made sure that he was fed and had a lot of fresh water on hand.
They then started to stretch and massage his limbs, making sure that they were gentle and not scaring the pup.
After some time, Codi was able to stand up and even take his first careful steps.https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FPennsylvaniaSPCA%2Fvideos%2F1864516417354047%2F%3Fref%3Dembed_video&show_text=0&width=267
Seeing this made his rescuers tear up. They knew that these steps meant that, one day, Codi would be able to live a normal life surrounded by incredible hoomans. But, what they didn’t know was that this was just around the corner.
As the Pennsylvania SPCA made sure to get the word out that this sweet boy was looking for a home – posting him on their social media and even advertising him on their local news – a loving family noticed him and completely fell in love.
Only one month after being found paralyzed inside of a trash bag, Codi found his forever home!
“The odds may have seemed against him, but he never gave up and last week, it all paid off when he found his forever home!” Pennsylvania SPCA wrote in a Facebook post about Codi’s adoption.
The SPCA staff were overjoyed!
The fact that Codi was so determined and able to turn his life around completely in such a short period brought smiles to their faces. They will never forget his resilience and bravery.
“His recovery was pretty remarkable. And though he’s still a little wobbly, he’s been adopted and is living the best life!” Gillian Kocher, Pennsylvania SPCA director of public relations, told The Dodo.
Codi forgot all about his past and is now living the life of any doggos dreams with a family who adores him for who he truly is.
Final Word
Even though I am so happy that Codi managed to get his happily ever after, the fact that he was so cruelly dumped in the first place breaks my heart.
I am aware that sometimes, hoomans are no longer able to care for their dogs, but abandoning them on the streets will never be the answer.
This is why shelters exist!
I am sure that if his previous owners surrendered Codi to their local shelter, this sweet boy would have recovered much faster and would have been able to move on in a healthier way.
Being separated from their hoomans can really take a toll on pups, but receiving love and reassurance from shelter staff can make the process a lot easier as it will allow them to understand that it is not their fault!
So if, for any reason, you can no longer care for your pup, please do not abandon it on the streets. Rather, take it to your local shelter and offer it a second chance – they deserve it.
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