According to KROC News, Rochester’s annual Memorial Day program is happening today at 10:00 AM for the first time in several years. The gathering is being held at Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial. Nearly 30 veteran organizations, law enforcement agencies, and other community groups will take part in the

Whether or not you attend a special program or decide to spend the day with loved ones you should take a moment to remember the reason for the day.  Take a moment to give thanks to all of the heroes who lost their lives, courageously serving to protect our freedoms. If you visit a cemetery today you might see coins placed on headstones. Read why they are left there below.

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.

ydney-rae-uyuu4m-Zdv8-unsplash
ydney-rae-uyuu4m-Zdv8-unsplash
loading...

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

What Does It Mean When You See a Penny?

adam-viaDiE6DH1k-unsplash
adam-viaDiE6DH1k-unsplash
loading...

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

chris-briggs-VK7jXtOtEuM-unsplash
chris-briggs-VK7jXtOtEuM-unsplash
loading...

A person that leaves a nickel is someone that attended boot camp with the fallen soldier.

A person that leaves a dime is someone that served with the deceased person.

And, a person that leaves a quarter is someone that was there with the soldier when he or she died.

LOOK: Minnesota Ticks and How To Prevent Bites

They are creepy, crawly and unfortunately are so stealth-like that you don't even know they are on your body sucking your blood. Ticks. Here are a few different types of ticks in Minnesota and a few tips on how you can help prevent tick bites.

More From KRFO-AM