Why People Leave Money On Headstones at Minnesota Cemeteries

Memorial Day began on May 30, 1868. Originally called "Decoration Day," it was established to honor Union veterans. The date was selected because spring flowers would be in bloom and could be used to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.

If you visit a cemetery these days, you'll likely see money left on headstones. The amount of money left represents a different relationship to the deceased. Learn more about this unique tradition below.

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Whether you attend a special program or spend the day with loved ones, you should take a moment to remember the reason for  Memorial Day. Pause to give thanks to all of the heroes who have lost their lives, courageously serving to protect our freedoms

Why You'll See Coins on Headstones in Minnesota Cemeteries

Examiner says this tradition of leaving a coin most likely started during the Vietnam War, but some say it goes all the way back to the Roman Empire.

The kind of coin they leave on the headstone reveals the relationship with the person. Below you'll see what it means when you see a penny, nickel, dime, and quarter placed on a headstone.

What Does It Mean When You See a Penny?

When someone leaves a penny on a headstone, they are simply saying they visited.

Larger coins reveal closer relationships. Read about those connections below.

Why You'll See Coins on Headstones in Minnesota Cemeteries

• A person who leaves a nickel is someone who attended boot camp with the fallen soldier.
• A person who leaves a dime is someone who served with the deceased person.
• A person who leaves a quarter was there with the soldier when he or she died.