We all have different traditions when it comes to commemorating and paying tribute to our loved ones who have passed away.
In today’s world, honoring the customs of others while commemorating the lives of the departed ought to come as standard practice. Some may choose to follow traditions or practices that the rest of us are not familiar with, but it doesn’t make them any less legitimate.
The same is true with gravestones and the ornamentation certain families choose to place over their loved ones’ last resting places. Coins being placed on headstones is one custom that is widely practiced and that you have probably witnessed at some point. However, why is this even a thing? And from whence did it originate? Continue reading to learn more.
Coins are traditionally placed on gravestones in cemeteries around the United States and other countries. When I was a little child, I first observed it when I was at my grandfather’s tomb, and even then, I started to wonder what it was all about.
Luckily, finding the beginnings online doesn’t need much research. Although it was previously thought that the practice originated with Roman military troops, a number of sources have disproved that theory in recent years.
Still, there’s a military connection to leaving pennies on gravestones. The American Legion Website states on one of its pages that it can be linked to the Vietnam War.
“Leaving a coin was considered a more practical way to communicate that you had visited the soldier’s grave than contacting the soldier’s family, which could devolve into an uncomfortable argument over politics relating to the war, due to the political divide in the country over the war.”
There are other reasons why veterans leave pennies on gravestones in memory of their fallen friends; occasionally, they do so in order to purchase a beer for them. Each coin represents a different meaning, according to reports.
For instance, a nickel is left by someone who served in boot camp with the deceased, whereas a penny just indicates that someone was present.
On the other hand, a dime represents a combined period of military service. Next are quarters, which inform the family of the presence of whoever left the coin at the moment of the loved one’s passing.
Ever notice a penny left on a gravestone? Were you aware of its meaning? Tell us in the comments below.
Elon Musk Takes Aim At Woke Colleges, Accuses Them Of Promoting “Full-On Communism”
Famous businessman Elon Musk is in the news once more, this time for his vocal criticism of American colleges for allegedly pushing socialist doctrines. Musk has voiced his worries about the direction American higher education is going in an interview.
Musk, who is well-known in the IT sector for his inventiveness and leadership, did not hold back when expressing his concerns about what he sees as a concerning trend in academics. According to Musk, “it’s full-on communism and a general sentiment that if you’re rich, you’re evil.” He continued by expressing his displeasure with “neo-Marxist” influences in schooling.
One of Musk’s children has grown away from their wealthy father, which has caused tension in their relationship. This is a direct result of Musk’s candid opinions on capitalism and riches. Vivian Jenna Wilson, Musk’s transsexual daughter, 18, decided to alter her name in order to distance herself from the Musk family’s history. Citing differences in their values, she stated that she want to stay away from her biological father.
“It may change, but I have very good relationships with all the others [children],” Musk said, despite acknowledging the difficulties in his relationship with Vivian. Despite the difficulties in his personal life, Musk has managed to retain good relationships with the majority of his nearly ten children from different relationships.
This incident brings to light a larger worry held by many Americans who respect their personal liberties and minimal government involvement. Recent surveys show that more people, especially younger ones, are beginning to embrace socialist and communist ideas. While 41% of all adults currently have a good opinion of socialism, less than half of 18 to 34-year-olds have a positive view of “capitalism.”
The growing popularity of politicians who support socialist measures, such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, is indicative of this ideological shift. These extreme ideas have found a home on college campuses, which were once hubs for free speech and a diversity of viewpoints.
Studies have shown that a large number of teachers have left-leaning political views, which may have an impact on the subjects and tenor of their classes. Conservative students frequently express a sense of being sidelined and suppressed during class discussions, which is concerning since it suggests that the educational system is politically indoctrinating pupils.
Given this context, it is not shocking that 36% of college students today say they would rather be a communist; they reject the term “democratic socialism” in favor of a more radical philosophy more akin to communism in the Soviet Union.
Marxist ideas’ effect on the family is another issue that Musk’s tense relationship with his daughter brings up. Marxism aims to dismantle the conventional family unit and replace it with centralized government authority. Future generations’ values and views are shaped by their families, which are the cornerstone of society. Breaking these ties can have long-term effects.
Elon Musk’s critique of American institutions, in conclusion, highlights the spread of leftist ideas in higher education. Along with the apparent bias in academics, the emergence of socialism and communism among young Americans raises significant concerns about the future of our civilization. It is crucial to have frank and open conversations regarding the role of the government and individual liberties in order to make sure that our educational system fosters critical thinking and diversity of opinion rather than ideological conformity.
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